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During a latest visit to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the already robust two-way relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Trump commended Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ leader and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's first female premier. During their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, Trump expressed confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of late Prime Minister Abe, applauded his initiatives to address global disputes and according to sources pledged to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

The two governments announced a series of joint projects in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring investments of up to $400 billion in the US.

Furthermore, Japan had previously committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain exemption from the former president's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track plans to raise defense spending to two percent of GDP.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, though it is constitutionally impossible. He remarked he ‘would like’ to serve again but won't exploit a VP workaround.
• A Michigan representative Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• California Governor Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The head of America’s biggest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a special session to reconsider electoral maps.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are considering map changes in response to Republican efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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 encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for additional collaboration on economic, security, and diplomatic areas.