Donald Trump has endorsed Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of a snap election in her country on Sunday. Takaichi has 'already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise leader... one that truly loves her country,' the US president wrote in a Truth Social post on Thursday, adding: 'She will not let the people of Japan down!'
While it is rare for US presidents to publicly back candidates in foreign elections, Trump has done so before, endorsing Argentina's Javier Milei and Hungary's Viktor Orban most recently. Takaichi has courted the US president as Tokyo seeks more stability in its relationship with Washington, its closest ally, in the wake of Trump's tariffs.
Trump had initially threatened a 25% tariff, but Japan then struck a deal in July to invest $550bn (£407bn) in the US. In exchange, Washington lowered import levies to 15%.
Takaichi became PM in October after winning her party's leadership race and securing support in parliament but called for an election to seek a public mandate. Just one week after taking office, Tokyo rolled out the red carpet for Trump, welcoming him at the Akasaka Palace with a full military guard of honour.
The two leaders praised each other and signed a deal concerning rare earths, heralding a new 'golden age' of US-Japan relations. During his visit, Takaichi described Trump as a 'partner in a new golden era'. Trump noted that progress has been made in national security cooperation and economic fronts.
As Takaichi faces her election, Trump indicated he would welcome her to the White House on March 19. This endorsement follows a phone call he had with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, underscoring the complexity of international relationships currently in play, particularly regarding sensitive issues like Taiwan, a point of contention between Japan and China.
While it is rare for US presidents to publicly back candidates in foreign elections, Trump has done so before, endorsing Argentina's Javier Milei and Hungary's Viktor Orban most recently. Takaichi has courted the US president as Tokyo seeks more stability in its relationship with Washington, its closest ally, in the wake of Trump's tariffs.
Trump had initially threatened a 25% tariff, but Japan then struck a deal in July to invest $550bn (£407bn) in the US. In exchange, Washington lowered import levies to 15%.
Takaichi became PM in October after winning her party's leadership race and securing support in parliament but called for an election to seek a public mandate. Just one week after taking office, Tokyo rolled out the red carpet for Trump, welcoming him at the Akasaka Palace with a full military guard of honour.
The two leaders praised each other and signed a deal concerning rare earths, heralding a new 'golden age' of US-Japan relations. During his visit, Takaichi described Trump as a 'partner in a new golden era'. Trump noted that progress has been made in national security cooperation and economic fronts.
As Takaichi faces her election, Trump indicated he would welcome her to the White House on March 19. This endorsement follows a phone call he had with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, underscoring the complexity of international relationships currently in play, particularly regarding sensitive issues like Taiwan, a point of contention between Japan and China.
