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In the course of a recent trip to Japan's capital, former US President Donald Trump and the Japanese new Premier Sanae Takaichi shared friendly praise and vowed to enhance the currently strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's first woman prime minister. During their talks at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Prime Minister Abe, praised his efforts to address international conflicts and according to sources vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

Both nations announced a series of joint initiatives in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as possibly reducing any future demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its military expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to fast-track proposals to increase military budget to two percent of GDP.

Other US Politics Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not use a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in various states are planning map changes in response to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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 significance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for additional cooperation on trade, security, and diplomatic areas.