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In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, former US President Trump and Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the already robust bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's first female premier. In their talks at the capital's official venue, the former president expressed optimism that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised his initiatives to address global disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

Both nations revealed a series of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese companies are considering funding of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Japan had previously committed $550bn in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such actions are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to increase its defense spending. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate plans to increase military budget to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “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 head of America’s largest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun announced a special session to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition leaders in various regions are planning map changes in response to GOP efforts.

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

This meeting highlights the continuing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for further collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.