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In the course of a latest trip to Japan's capital, ex- US President Donald Trump together with the Japanese new Premier Sanae Takaichi shared friendly praise and pledged to strengthen the already robust bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on becoming Japan's inaugural woman premier. During their discussions at the capital's official venue, the former president voiced confidence that she would prove to be one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, who is a close associate of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to resolve international disputes and reportedly vowed to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Agreements

The two nations announced a series of joint initiatives in sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such moves are seen as possibly easing any upcoming demands from Trump for Tokyo to increase its military expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by promising to fast-track proposals to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Donald Trump left the door open to a third term, although it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would like’ to run again but won't use a vice presidential loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to Trump's statements, saying, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a White House bid after the 2026 midterm elections.
• The leader of the US largest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, 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.
• Indiana governor Mike Braun announced a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Opposition figures in various regions are considering map changes in reaction 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 meeting underscores the ongoing significance of the US-Japan alliance and sets the stage for further cooperation on economic, security, and diplomatic fronts.