CaliToday (07/10/2025): President Donald Trump on Monday extended his congratulations to Sanae Takaichi, the conservative hard-liner who has made history by winning the leadership of Japan's ruling party, setting her on a clear path to become the nation's first-ever female prime minister.
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| Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), poses in the party leader's office after the LDP leadership election in Tokyo, Japan, October 4, 2025. Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via REUTERS |
In a notable early reaction from a major world figure, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to praise the outcome of the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) leadership election. While he did not mention Takaichi by name, his message was unambiguous.
"Japan has just elected its first female Prime Minister, a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength," Trump wrote. "This is tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan. Congratulations to all!"
The message signals a warm reception from the former U.S. leader for a political shift in one of America's most crucial Asian allies. Takaichi, a protégé of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—with whom Trump shared a famously close relationship—secured the LDP presidency on Saturday, virtually guaranteeing her ascension to the premiership in a parliamentary vote later this month.
Responding to the high-profile endorsement, Takaichi posted on her official X account, expressing her gratitude and signaling a desire for close cooperation. She stated she was "very pleased" with Trump's message, adding: "Truly hope to work with President Trump to make our Alliance even stronger and more prosperous, and to promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
A New Chapter in U.S.-Japan Relations
The swift and friendly exchange between the two figures is seen by analysts as setting a positive tone for future U.S.-Japan relations under their potential leaderships. Takaichi, known for her staunchly conservative and nationalist views, aligns ideologically with the "America First" politician on many key issues, including a hawkish stance on China and a focus on national economic security.
Her specific reference to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" is a direct nod to a key foreign policy doctrine championed by her mentor, Shinzo Abe, and strongly supported by the United States as a framework to counter China's growing influence in the region.
As Japan breaks one of its highest political glass ceilings, Takaichi's leadership is expected to herald a more assertive foreign policy. Her immediate and positive engagement with Trump suggests a strategic priority to ensure the cornerstone of Japan's security, the U.S.-Japan alliance, remains robust and deeply collaborative in a time of increasing global uncertainty.