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In the course of a latest visit to Tokyo, former American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi exchanged friendly praise and pledged to enhance the currently strong two-way relations.

Key Points from the Meeting

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘great’ leader and congratulated her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman premier. In their discussions at Tokyo's official venue, the former president expressed optimism that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, applauded his efforts to resolve international conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward Trump for the prestigious award.

Economic and Security Deals

The two governments revealed a series of collaborative initiatives in areas such as power, AI, and critical minerals. Japan-based firms are exploring funding of up to $400 billion in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had earlier committed $550 billion in long-term US investments, financing, and guarantees as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's tariffs.

These moves are seen as possibly easing any upcoming demands from Trump for Japan to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other Political Developments

• 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 use a vice presidential workaround.
• Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine 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 currently the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in various regions are planning redistricting 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 told the prime minister. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

The meeting highlights the ongoing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for further collaboration on economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.