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During a recent visit to Tokyo, former US President Donald Trump and the Japanese recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the currently robust bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural female prime minister. In their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of former Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, praised his efforts to address international conflicts and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

The two governments announced a series of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, AI, and rare earths. Japan-based firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain relief from Trump's import duties.

Such moves are seen as possibly reducing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to boost its military expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by committing to fast-track plans to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally not permitted. He stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not use a VP workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider congressional districts.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are considering map changes in reaction to Republican efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump said to 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 sets the stage for further cooperation on economic, security, and diplomatic areas.