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During a recent trip to Tokyo, ex- American leader Donald Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to enhance the already robust two-way relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's first female premier. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve international conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments announced a list of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550 billion in long-term US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from the former president's import duties.

These moves are viewed as potentially easing any future requests from the US side for Japan to boost its military spending. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate plans to increase military budget to 2% of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is legally impossible. He stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of the US biggest government employees union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in several states are considering map changes in response to Republican actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Donald Trump said to Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

The meeting underscores the continuing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and diplomatic fronts.