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During a recent trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese new Premier Sanae Takaichi shared friendly compliments and pledged to enhance the currently robust bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

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

The prime minister, who is a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded his initiatives to address global conflicts and reportedly pledged to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Deals

Both governments revealed a series of joint initiatives in areas such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure exemption from the former president's tariffs.

These actions are seen as possibly reducing any upcoming demands from the US side for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by promising to fast-track proposals to raise military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Additional Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest government employees union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in several states are planning map changes in reaction to Republican actions.

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

This encounter highlights the continuing significance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for further cooperation on trade, security, and foreign policy fronts.