Trump Praises Japan PM, Celebrates U.S.-Japan Alliance/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump praised Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a high-profile visit to Tokyo, calling the U.S.-Japan alliance “the strongest level.” The two leaders announced major economic commitments and pledged deeper cooperation on critical minerals and military alignment. Trump also addressed U.S. troops aboard a carrier, underscoring security ties in the region.
Trump, Takaichi Celebrate Alliance: Quick Looks
- Trump calls new PM Sanae Takaichi a “big deal”
- U.S. and Japan announce $550B investment framework
- $490B in commitments revealed, including major nuclear deals
- Trump pledges full support: “We are allies at the strongest level”
- PM Takaichi gifts cherry trees, golf memorabilia, and signs “Japan is Back” caps
- Agreement signed for critical minerals and rare earth cooperation
- Trump addresses troops aboard USS George Washington
- American beef served at state lunch in symbolic culinary diplomacy
- Japan signals purchase of Ford F-150s to support U.S. auto industry
- Trump to meet Xi Jinping next as Asia trip continues
Deep Look
Trump Welcomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister, Vows Stronger U.S.-Japan Alliance
TOKYO (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended a warm welcome to Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s newly appointed prime minister and the first woman to lead the country, in a symbolic show of support that emphasized strengthening bilateral ties. During a whirlwind day in Tokyo, Trump called the U.S.-Japan relationship an alliance “at the strongest level,” while celebrating major economic commitments and military cooperation.
New Prime Minister Meets Trump
Trump’s meeting with Takaichi marked her first major international appearance since taking office just days earlier. Greeting her with a smile and complimenting her firm handshake, Trump immediately signaled a close personal rapport.
“That’s a very strong handshake,” Trump joked, breaking the ice.
Takaichi responded with warm remarks referencing the U.S. World Series and promised a gift of 250 cherry trees to commemorate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, along with fireworks from Akita Prefecture for U.S. July 4 celebrations.
She also invoked former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her mentor and a close Trump ally.
“Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she told Trump, who called her historic role “a big deal.”
$550 Billion Investment Framework Unveiled
At a business dinner hosted in Tokyo, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced $490 billion in Japanese investment commitments, including $100 billion each toward nuclear projects by Westinghouse and GE Vernova.
“You’re great business people,” Trump told Japanese executives. “Our country will not let you down.”
Though specific details of the investment breakdown remain vague, the Trump administration touted the framework as nearing its $550 billion target, representing a major trade success.
Culinary and Cultural Diplomacy
In a show of goodwill, Japan served American beef and rice during a working lunch, blending U.S. staples with Japanese ingredients. The choice appeared strategic — Trump has previously criticized Japan for importing few American cars and products.
Reporters noted a Ford F-150 prominently displayed outside the Akasaka Palace, as well as American-made Toyota vehicles. Trump has long pushed for Japan to open its markets further to U.S. automakers.
Takaichi is reportedly exploring a government fleet purchase of Ford trucks, seen as a gesture of goodwill to the U.S. auto industry.
She also gifted Trump a putter once used by Abe and a golf bag signed by Hideki Matsuyama, reinforcing the golf diplomacy that defined Trump’s earlier ties with Japanese leadership.
Golden Age of Alliance Signed
The leaders signed a short agreement described as the start of a “golden age” of U.S.-Japan relations. The document, under a single page, reaffirmed existing trade deals and detailed the structure of the $550 billion investment fund. It also confirmed the U.S. would apply a 15% tax on Japanese imports under the new framework.
A second agreement focused on critical minerals and rare earth materials, key for advanced technologies and defense applications. Japan and the U.S. pledged to coordinate on securing global supply chains, with a portion of the investment funds earmarked for this effort.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later told reporters that Takaichi would nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize — a symbolic nod to their deepening relationship.
Trump Visits Troops, Highlights Security Ties
Continuing his Asia-Pacific outreach, Trump brought Takaichi aboard the USS George Washington, a U.S. aircraft carrier docked near Tokyo. The visit underlined U.S.-Japan military cooperation amid growing security concerns in the region.
Trump praised the ship’s crew and individual units, discussed national security threats, and mentioned that Toyota is set to invest $10 billion in U.S. auto manufacturing.
Takaichi addressed the sailors as well, signaling Japan’s planned military expansion and closer cooperation with American forces.
Trump’s Asia Tour Continues
Trump arrived in Tokyo Monday, following a visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit. His next stop is South Korea, where he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Also expected this week is a pivotal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with both sides signaling optimism over a possible trade deal.
Negotiators from the U.S. and China say talks are “progressing,” potentially avoiding a renewed confrontation between the world’s two largest economies.
