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

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, Trump expressed confidence that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a close associate of former Prime Minister Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address global disputes and reportedly vowed to nominate Trump for the prestigious award.

Trade and Defense Agreements

The two nations revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had earlier pledged $550 billion in strategic American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from Trump's import duties.

These actions are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming demands from the US side for Japan to boost its defense expenditure. Takaichi responded to this by promising to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is legally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but would not use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to Trump's statements, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom suggested he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The head of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized Democratic leader Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Democratic leaders in several regions are considering map changes in response 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 the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

This encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further cooperation on economic, defense, and foreign policy areas.