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In the course of a recent visit to Japan's capital, ex- US President Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm praise and vowed to enhance the currently robust two-way ties.

Key Points from the Meeting

Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's first female prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, praised his initiatives to resolve global disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Agreements

Both governments announced a series of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in strategic American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from the former president's import duties.

Such actions are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming demands from Trump for Tokyo to increase its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to fast-track plans to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Additional Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't exploit a VP workaround.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm 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 American history.
• House Speaker Johnson criticized Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in several regions are considering map changes in response to GOP efforts.

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

This encounter highlights the continuing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on trade, defense, and foreign policy fronts.