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During a recent trip to Japan's capital, former American leader Donald Trump together with Japan's recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared warm praise and vowed to strengthen the currently robust bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Trump commended Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and applauded her on becoming the nation's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at the capital's official venue, Trump voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's initiatives to resolve global disputes and according to sources vowed to nominate him for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Agreements

The two governments announced a list of collaborative projects in areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, and rare earths. Japanese firms are considering investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

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

These moves are viewed as possibly reducing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate plans to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally impossible. He stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his statements, 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 head of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in American history.
• Republican leader Mike Johnson blasted Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in several states are planning map changes in response to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Trump said to Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he continued.

The encounter highlights the continuing significance of the American-Japanese partnership and paves the way for additional cooperation on trade, security, and diplomatic areas.