In brief
Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of her snap election scheduled for Sunday. The former president praised her as a strong leader who prioritizes her country's interests. This endorsement aligns with Takaichi's efforts to strengthen ties with the U.S. following prior tensions over trade and tariffs. Trump's support reflects the ongoing importance of U.S.-Japan relations in the current geopolitical climate.
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 U.S. 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 U.S. president as Tokyo seeks more stability in its relationship with Washington, its closest ally, in the wake of Trump's tariffs.
Trump had threatened a 25% tariff initially, but Japan then struck a deal in July to invest $550bn (£407bn) in the U.S. In exchange, Washington lowered import levies to 15%.
Takaichi became PM in October after she won the leadership race in her party and secured enough support in parliament. But she called for an election to seek a public mandate.
Just one week after she took office, Tokyo rolled out the red carpet for Trump, deploying a full military guard of honour and band to welcome him at the Akasaka Palace, the government's state guesthouse.
During the visit, Takaichi described Trump as a partner in a new golden era, and praised his role in bringing peace to the Middle East.
Trump also noted that he will welcome Takaichi to the White House on 19 March.
This endorsement comes amid Trump's phone conversation with China's leader Xi Jinping, where both acknowledged the importance of maintaining a good relationship.
In recent months, Takaichi has also faced scrutiny from Beijing after suggesting Japan could bolster its self-defence in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
