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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, former American leader Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's first female premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a close associate of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded his efforts to address international conflicts and according to sources vowed to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

The two governments revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in strategic US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are seen as possibly easing any future demands from the US side for Japan to boost its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by promising to fast-track proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is legally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in several states are planning map changes in response to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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 meeting highlights the continuing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for additional cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.