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In the course of a recent trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Trump and Japan's new Premier Takaichi exchanged warm praise and vowed to strengthen the currently robust bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed confidence that Takaichi would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, who is a close associate of late Japanese leader Abe, applauded his initiatives to resolve global conflicts and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments revealed a series of joint initiatives in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japan-based companies are considering funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had earlier committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are seen as possibly reducing any future requests from Trump for Japan to increase its military spending. Takaichi addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Other US Politics Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is legally not permitted. Trump remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib reacted to his comments, declaring, “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 head of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in various states are planning 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 also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The meeting highlights the ongoing significance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for additional cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy areas.