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In the course of a latest trip to Tokyo, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm praise and vowed to strengthen the currently strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman premier. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to address international disputes and according to sources vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Deals

Both governments announced a list of joint initiatives in areas such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as potentially easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Japan to boost its military spending. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track proposals to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Other Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but won't use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to his statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s largest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in various regions are planning map changes in response to Republican efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Donald Trump said to Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

The encounter highlights the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional cooperation on economic, security, and diplomatic areas.