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In the course of a recent trip to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the currently strong bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and congratulated her on becoming Japan's inaugural female prime minister. During their talks at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised Trump's efforts to address global conflicts and reportedly pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

The two nations revealed a list of joint projects in areas such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

These moves are seen as potentially reducing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to Trump's comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in several regions are planning 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 told the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

This meeting underscores the continuing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for further collaboration on trade, security, and diplomatic areas.