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In the course of a recent visit to Japan's capital, ex- American leader Donald Trump and Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi shared friendly compliments and pledged to enhance the already strong bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Trump praised Prime Minister Takaichi as a ‘exceptional’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural female premier. In their discussions at the capital's official venue, Trump expressed optimism that she would become one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of Japan.

Takaichi, who is a protégée of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, applauded Trump's efforts to resolve global conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Defense Deals

Both governments revealed a series of joint initiatives in sectors such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Furthermore, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in long-term US investments, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to obtain relief from the former president's import duties.

These actions are seen as possibly easing any upcoming requests from the US side for Japan to boost its defense spending. The prime minister addressed this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to 2% of GDP.

Other US Politics Developments

• Donald Trump did not rule out to a another term, though it is constitutionally impossible. Trump stated he ‘would love’ to run again but won't exploit a VP loophole.
• Michigan representative Tlaib responded to his comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom suggested he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s largest federal workers union demanded an end to the federal closure, which is now the second longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• The governor of Indiana Braun announced a legislative meeting to redraw electoral maps.
• Democratic leaders in several states are considering map changes in reaction to Republican actions.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” 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 encounter highlights the continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and sets the stage for additional collaboration on trade, defense, and foreign policy fronts.