Trump Backs Japan's Takaichi Ahead of Snap Elections

Fri Feb 06 2026 08:57:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Former President Donald Trump endorses Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi just before her snap election, praising her leadership qualities.

In a rare move, Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of her snap election, citing her as a strong and wise leader. Trump's backing highlights the importance of the US-Japan relationship, particularly in light of recent trade agreements. Takaichi's government seeks to solidify ties with Washington, further showcased by her welcoming of Trump during his recent visit to Japan.

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 threatened a 25% tariff initially, 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 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 a band to welcome him at the Akasaka Palace, the government's state guesthouse. The two leaders heaped praises on each other and signed a deal on rare earths, heralding a new golden age of US-Japan relations.

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 progress in national security cooperation and economic ties between the two nations.

Trump has indicated that he will welcome Takaichi to the White House on March 19. His endorsement comes after a recent phone conversation with China's leader Xi Jinping, highlighting the delicate balance of international relations in the region, particularly concerning Taiwan.

As Takaichi faces scrutiny over her remarks regarding Taiwan, her leadership will be essential in navigating the complexities of US, China, and Japan relations moving forward.