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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- US President Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and vowed to enhance the already robust bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded his initiatives to resolve global conflicts and according to sources vowed to nominate Trump for the prestigious award.

Economic and Security Deals

The two governments announced a list of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain relief from the former president's import duties.

Such moves are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to boost its military spending. The prime minister addressed this by promising to fast-track proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He stated he ‘would like’ to run again but won't exploit a VP workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various states are planning redistricting in response to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump said to 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 American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic areas.