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During a recent trip to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Premier Takaichi exchanged warm compliments and pledged to enhance the already robust two-way relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and congratulated her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman premier. In their talks at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve international disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Deals

Both governments announced a list of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously committed $550 billion in long-term American projects, financing, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from Trump's import duties.

These moves are seen as potentially easing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by promising to fast-track plans to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He stated he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't use a VP workaround.
• 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 leader of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in various regions are planning redistricting in response to Republican actions.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told Takaichi. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

The encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, defense, and diplomatic areas.