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During a recent visit to Japan's capital, former American leader Trump together with Japan's recently elected Prime Minister Takaichi exchanged warm praise and pledged to strengthen the already strong bilateral ties.

Key Points from the Encounter

Donald Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of the nation's inaugural woman prime minister. During their discussions at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced optimism that Takaichi would prove to be one of the ‘great prime ministers’ of the country.

Takaichi, identified as a close associate 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 Agreements

The two nations revealed a series of collaborative projects in sectors such as power, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals. Japanese firms are exploring funding of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Japan had earlier committed $550 billion in strategic US investments, loans, and guarantees as part of an agreement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as potentially reducing any upcoming requests from Trump for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. The prime minister responded to this by committing to accelerate proposals to increase defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

Additional US Politics Developments

• Trump left the door open to a another term, although it is constitutionally not permitted. He remarked he ‘would love’ to serve again but would not exploit a VP loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reacted to his statements, declaring, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will determine on a White House bid after the upcoming elections.
• The head of America’s biggest federal workers union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is now the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson criticized opposition figure Jeffries for supporting a candidate in the NYC mayoral election.
• Indiana governor Braun declared a special session to reconsider congressional districts.
• Opposition leaders in several states 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 said to Takaichi. “I also want to congratulate you on becoming the first female prime minister. This is a significant achievement,” he continued.

This encounter underscores the ongoing importance of the US-Japan partnership and sets the stage for additional collaboration on trade, security, and diplomatic areas.