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During a recent trip to Tokyo, former US President Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shared warm praise and vowed to enhance the already strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their talks at Tokyo's official venue, Trump expressed confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, who is a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve international conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Deals

Both governments announced a series of joint initiatives in sectors such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in long-term American projects, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are seen as potentially reducing any future requests from the US side for Tokyo to increase its defense spending. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track plans to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but won't use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to his comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun announced a special session to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are planning 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,” Trump said to Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he added.

The encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic areas.