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In the course of a recent visit to Tokyo, former American leader Donald Trump together with the Japanese recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared warm compliments 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 becoming Japan's first female premier. In their talks at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president expressed optimism that Takaichi would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of Japan.

Takaichi, identified as a protégée of late Japanese leader Abe, applauded his efforts to address international conflicts and reportedly vowed to put forward him for the prestigious award.

Trade and Security Agreements

Both governments revealed a list of joint projects in areas such as energy, AI, and rare earths. Japanese firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had previously pledged $550bn in long-term US investments, financing, and assurances as part of an agreement to obtain relief from the former president's import duties.

These actions are viewed as possibly easing any upcoming requests from Trump for Japan to increase its military expenditure. The prime minister addressed this by committing to fast-track proposals to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP.

Additional US Politics Updates

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a third term, though it is constitutionally not permitted. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a vice presidential workaround.
• A Michigan congresswoman Tlaib responded to Trump's comments, declaring, “Under no circumstances will we allow that.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of the US biggest federal workers union demanded an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second longest in US history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for endorsing a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Mike Braun declared a legislative meeting to reconsider congressional districts.
• Democratic figures in several regions are planning redistricting in reaction to GOP efforts.

“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 added.

This encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan alliance and paves the way for further cooperation on economic, defense, and foreign policy areas.