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During a recent visit to Tokyo, former American leader Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to strengthen the currently robust bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural female premier. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, the former president voiced confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a protégée of former Japanese leader Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to resolve international conflicts and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Economic and Defense Deals

The two nations announced a list of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japan-based companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Japan had earlier pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as potentially easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its military expenditure. Takaichi responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Other Political Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to his comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized 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 figures in several regions are planning redistricting in response to Republican efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” 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 meeting highlights the continuing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.