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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, ex- American leader Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm praise and vowed to strengthen the currently strong bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and congratulated her on becoming Japan's first female premier. During their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a close associate of late Prime Minister Abe, applauded his efforts to address international disputes and according to sources vowed to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations announced a list of collaborative projects in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier pledged $550 billion in long-term US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are seen as potentially reducing any future demands from the US side for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to raise military budget to two percent of GDP.

Additional US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is legally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a VP workaround.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted opposition figure Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in various regions are considering map changes in reaction to GOP actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Donald Trump said to the prime minister. “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 continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional collaboration on trade, defense, and foreign policy fronts.