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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, former American leader Trump and the Japanese new Premier Sanae Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and vowed to enhance the already strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on becoming the nation's inaugural female prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve global conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Deals

The two governments announced a series of joint projects in sectors such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously pledged $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

These actions are seen as potentially easing any future demands from the US side for Japan to boost its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't use a VP loophole.
• Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union demanded 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 declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Democratic leaders in several regions are planning map changes in reaction 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 added.

This meeting highlights the continuing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for further collaboration on trade, security, and diplomatic areas.