By Blessing Nweke
US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of the country’s snap general election on Sunday, offering rare and high-profile backing for a foreign leader.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump described Takaichi as a “strong, powerful, and wise leader… one that truly loves her country,” adding: “She will not let the people of Japan down!” While US presidents seldom intervene in overseas elections, Trump has previously endorsed Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orban.
Takaichi, 64, became prime minister in October after winning her party’s leadership race and securing parliamentary support. She called the early election last month, seeking a fresh public mandate.
Her relationship with Trump has been closely watched as Tokyo navigates trade tensions with Washington. Earlier this year, Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Japanese imports. The two sides later reached a deal under which Japan agreed to invest $550bn in the US, prompting Washington to lower import levies to 15%.
Takaichi rolled out a lavish welcome for Trump during his recent visit to Tokyo, complete with a military guard of honour at the Akasaka Palace. The two leaders signed agreements on rare earths and pledged a new “golden age” in US-Japan relations, while aligning on calls for increased Japanese defence spending.
Trump’s endorsement comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly with China. Beijing and Tokyo remain locked in a diplomatic rift, exacerbated by Takaichi’s remarks that Japan could respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan. She has declined to retract the comments.
Polls suggest Takaichi is on track for a decisive victory, but challenges loom, including revitalising Japan’s economy and balancing ties between Washington and Beijing.
Original article
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