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During a latest trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump and the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm praise and vowed to enhance the currently robust bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman premier. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, 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 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve global disputes and reportedly pledged to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Economic and Security Agreements

Both nations announced a series of joint projects in sectors such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in strategic American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such actions are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Japan to boost its military expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional Political Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s biggest government employees union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic figures in various states are considering redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” 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 added.

This meeting underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan alliance and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.