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. Despite previous threats of a 25% tariff, Japan struck a deal in July to invest $550bn in the US, leading to a reduction of import levies.
The endorsement signals Takaichi as a leader Trump’s administration would work with, especially given the current strained relationship between Japan and China. As tensions rise over Taiwan, Takaichi's comments suggesting Japan might bolster its self-defense capabilities have drawn both support and ire within international circles.
Polls indicate a landslide victory for Takaichi may be on the horizon, but her leadership will be judged by how well she navigates Japan’s economy and its complex relationships with both the US and China.
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. Despite previous threats of a 25% tariff, Japan struck a deal in July to invest $550bn in the US, leading to a reduction of import levies.
The endorsement signals Takaichi as a leader Trump’s administration would work with, especially given the current strained relationship between Japan and China. As tensions rise over Taiwan, Takaichi's comments suggesting Japan might bolster its self-defense capabilities have drawn both support and ire within international circles.
Polls indicate a landslide victory for Takaichi may be on the horizon, but her leadership will be judged by how well she navigates Japan’s economy and its complex relationships with both the US and China.
