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PULSE POINTS
❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump issued a full endorsement of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Japan’s legislative election.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, Sanae Takaichi, and Japanese voters.
📍WHEN & WHERE: The endorsement comes ahead of Japan’s February 8, 2026, legislative election. A meeting at the White House is scheduled for March 19, 2026.
💬KEY QUOTE: “SHE WILL NOT LET THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN DOWN! Good luck on your very important Sunday Vote.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: The endorsement highlights the strong U.S.-Japan relationship and emphasizes the shared priorities of Trump and Takaichi in national security, trade, and immigration.
IN FULL
President Donald J. Trump issued a high-profile endorsement Thursday for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, calling Sunday’s snap Japanese legislative election “very important” and praising Takaichi as someone who has “already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise Leader.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that “The Great Country of Japan is having a very important Legislative Election on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The results of this Election are very important to the future of Japan.” He specifically highlighted Takaichi’s leadership and commitment to her country, saying she “truly loves her Country” and was impressive during his recent visit.
Trump also emphasized the close cooperation between the United States and Japan, noting that “the United States and Japan have worked closely together on making a very substantial Trade Deal, one that strongly benefits both Countries.”
Reiterating his support, the President wrote that “Prime Minister Takaichi is someone who deserves powerful recognition for the job she and her Coalition are doing and, therefore, as President of the United States of America, it is my Honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing.” He added a rallying message to Japanese voters: “SHE WILL NOT LET THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN DOWN! Good luck on your very important Sunday Vote.”
The endorsement comes as Japan prepares for a snap general election on February 8, 2026, to elect all 465 members of the lower house of its national legislature, the House of Representatives. The vote will shape the country’s political direction and could confirm the governing coalition’s mandate.
Takaichi, who became Prime Minister after winning the leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and forming a coalition last year, is widely expected to secure victory in the election. Her campaign emphasizes economic stability, national security, and strengthening Japan’s role on the international stage. She has also expressed a decidedly anti-mass migration stance, vowing to crack down on criminal migrants in the country,
Trump’s endorsement underscores Washington’s strategic interest in continuity in Tokyo’s leadership. Trump also noted he looks forward to hosting Prime Minister Takaichi at the White House on March 19.
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