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During a latest visit to Tokyo, former US President Donald Trump and the Japanese new Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly compliments and pledged to enhance the currently strong bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, Trump voiced confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded his initiatives to address international conflicts and according to sources vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Deals

The two governments revealed a list of collaborative initiatives in sectors such as power, AI, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier pledged $550bn in strategic American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to secure relief from the former president's import duties.

These moves are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but won't use a VP loophole.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, 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 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 Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in several regions are considering map changes in reaction to GOP actions.

“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 significance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.