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In the course of a latest trip to Tokyo, former American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's new Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly compliments and pledged to enhance the currently strong two-way ties.

Highlights from the Encounter

Donald Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on becoming the nation's inaugural woman prime minister. During their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, praised his efforts to resolve global conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate him for the prestigious award.

Trade and Defense Deals

Both nations revealed a list of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Japan had previously pledged $550bn in long-term American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain exemption from Trump's tariffs.

These actions are seen as potentially easing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to boost its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by promising to fast-track plans to raise defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but won't exploit a VP workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Tlaib reacted to his comments, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second-longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a special session to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition leaders in various regions 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 the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he added.

The meeting underscores the continuing significance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.