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In the course of a recent trip to Tokyo, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Takaichi shared warm praise and vowed to enhance the currently strong bilateral ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on becoming Japan's inaugural female prime minister. During their talks at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, Trump voiced confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a close associate of former Japanese leader Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to address international disputes and according to sources pledged to put forward him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Economic and Security Deals

The two governments revealed a series of joint projects in areas such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550 billion in long-term American projects, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from Trump's tariffs.

These moves are viewed as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from the US side for Tokyo to increase its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by promising to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, though it is legally impossible. Trump remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the federal closure, which is currently the second longest in US history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun announced a special session to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition figures in various states are planning map changes in response to Republican efforts.

“Based on what I’ve heard from Shinzo and others, you are destined to be an outstanding prime minister,” Trump told the prime minister. “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 ongoing importance of the US-Japan partnership and paves the way for additional cooperation on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.