Trump Meets Japan's First Female Prime Minister, Reaffirms Strong US-Japan Alliance, Seeks $550B Investment

President Donald Trump visited Tokyo, where he warmly greeted Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country's first female leader, and praised her leadership. Trump emphasized the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance, calling it "an ally at the strongest level," and expressed his commitment to supporting Japan. Takaichi, a close ally of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pledged to accelerate Japan's military buildup and fast-track defense spending to 2% of GDP, while also offering a large investment package under a $550 billion trade deal involving U.S. shipbuilding, soybeans, natural gas, and pickup trucks. The leaders exchanged gifts including golf memorabilia and discussed enhancing economic and security ties amid tensions with China. Takaichi also nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting his role in international ceasefires. The visit underscored efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and critical minerals supply chains.