Trump meets Japan’s new prime minister, calls U.S.–Japan partnership ‘strongest level’

Former U.S. president Donald Trump met Japan’s newly appointed prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, on Tuesday during his visit to Asia. Takaichi, who recently became Japan’s first female leader, joined Trump aboard an American aircraft carrier where he addressed U.S. troops stationed in the region.

Both leaders signed agreements aimed at deepening the U.S.–Japan alliance, including cooperation on critical minerals and economic development. Trump’s team said the talks were tied to a broader trade framework that could bring up to $490 billion in Japanese investment to the United States.

Takaichi’s government is seeking to strengthen relations with Washington while protecting Japan’s economic and security interests in a shifting Indo-Pacific landscape. Trump described Japan as an “ally at the strongest level,” underscoring his commitment to maintaining regional stability and trade cooperation.

Trump is expected to continue his regional tour with a scheduled meeting later this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.