Yokosuka [Japan]
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance during his visit to the Yokosuka Naval Base on Tuesday, where he appeared alongside Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Arriving together aboard Marine One, the two leaders were welcomed with full military honors as they stepped onto the USS George Washington, in one of the most symbolic moments of Trump’s ongoing Asia tour.
The ceremony featured U.S. Navy personnel dressed in color-coded uniforms representing various operations—from aircraft handling to fueling—underscoring the precision and coordination central to both nations’ defence partnership.
Addressing thousands of American service members on the deck, Trump praised Takaichi’s leadership, calling her a “winner” and commending her historic role as Japan’s first female prime minister. “She’s a strong leader and a remarkable woman,” Trump said to resounding applause.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders met in Tokyo for bilateral discussions focusing on defense cooperation, trade relations, and Indo-Pacific security. The talks resulted in agreements to enhance collaboration in trade and critical minerals, reinforcing shared commitments to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities.
Trump expressed confidence in Takaichi’s leadership, telling her she would be “one of Japan’s great prime ministers.” In response, Takaichi called Trump a “great leader” and even expressed her intent to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to the White House.
Takaichi, who assumed office last week, has pledged to deepen Japan’s strategic partnership with Washington while carrying forward the legacy of her late mentor, Shinzo Abe.
With around 55,000 American troops stationed in Japan, the country remains a crucial pillar of U.S. defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated a firm stance on regional stability, asserting that China “won’t make any moves on Taiwan” ahead of his upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping.
As Marine One touched down on the USS George Washington, the “Top Gun” theme played over the speakers, setting a celebratory mood. Service members waiting to greet their commander-in-chief sang along to “Sweet Caroline” and “Party in the USA” before the event began.
Japan marks the second stop of Trump’s five-day Asia tour. Prior to Tokyo, he attended the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and participated in the signing of the Cambodia-Thailand peace accord, underscoring his administration’s continued emphasis on regional diplomacy and stability.
