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During a recent trip to Tokyo, ex- US President Trump and the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged warm praise and pledged to strengthen the currently strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. During their talks at the capital's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, applauded his initiatives to address international disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Agreements

The two nations revealed a list of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the US.

Furthermore, Tokyo had previously committed $550bn in long-term US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

These actions are seen as possibly easing any future requests from the US side for Japan to boost its defense spending. Takaichi responded to this by committing to fast-track proposals to increase military budget to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is legally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide 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 government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a legislative meeting to reconsider congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in several states are considering redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump told the prime minister. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

The meeting underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional collaboration on trade, defense, and foreign policy areas.