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In the course of a latest visit to Japan's capital, former US President Donald Trump together with the Japanese new Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm compliments and vowed to strengthen the currently strong two-way relations.

Highlights from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's first woman premier. During their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed optimism that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's efforts to resolve global disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

Both nations announced a list of joint initiatives in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from the former president's import duties.

These actions are seen as potentially reducing any future demands from the US side for Japan to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by committing to fast-track plans to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is legally impossible. He stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib responded to his comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s largest federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are planning redistricting in reaction to Republican actions.

“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.

This meeting underscores the ongoing significance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on trade, security, and diplomatic fronts.