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During a latest trip to Tokyo, ex- American leader Trump together with the Japanese new Premier Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the already strong bilateral relations.

Highlights from the Meeting

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised his efforts to address global disputes and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Agreements

The two nations announced a list of joint initiatives in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had previously pledged $550bn in strategic US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are viewed as potentially easing any future requests from Trump for Japan to boost its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't use a VP loophole.
• Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US biggest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in several states are considering redistricting in response to Republican actions.

“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 continued.

The meeting underscores the continuing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and sets the stage for additional cooperation on trade, defense, and foreign policy fronts.