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In the course of a recent visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the already strong two-way relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on becoming the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, praised his initiatives to address global conflicts and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Security Agreements

Both governments announced a series of joint initiatives in sectors such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are considering funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

These actions are viewed as potentially easing any future requests from Trump for Japan to boost its defense spending. Takaichi addressed this by promising to accelerate plans to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, although it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a VP loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are planning map changes in reaction to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump told the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

This encounter underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, defense, and foreign policy areas.