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In the course of a recent visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump and Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly compliments and pledged to enhance the already robust two-way relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and congratulated her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. During their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed optimism that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve global disputes and according to sources vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Defense Agreements

The two nations announced a series of collaborative projects in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such moves are seen as possibly reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its military spending. The prime minister responded to this by committing to fast-track plans to increase military budget to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Updates

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to run again but would not use a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan representative Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a 2028 presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US largest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several states are considering redistricting in response to GOP 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 also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The encounter underscores the continuing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for further collaboration on trade, defense, and diplomatic fronts.