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In the course of a recent visit to Tokyo, former American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and vowed to enhance the currently robust two-way relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's first woman prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve global disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Defense Agreements

Both governments revealed a list of joint projects in sectors such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Japan had earlier committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as potentially easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is legally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't use a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various states are considering redistricting in reaction to GOP 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 added.

This encounter underscores the continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy areas.