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During a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- American leader Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to enhance the currently robust two-way ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, Trump voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Prime Minister Abe, applauded his efforts to resolve global disputes and according to sources pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Deals

Both governments revealed a list of joint initiatives in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in strategic American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

Such actions are viewed as possibly reducing any future requests from the US side for Tokyo to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to fast-track plans to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He stated he ‘would love’ to run again but would not use a VP loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in various regions are planning redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump told the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

The encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan alliance and sets the stage for additional collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic areas.