Donald Trump has expressed his full support for Japan's current Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of the country's snap general election. He has also expressed his support for far-right leader Viktor Orban in Hungary's parliamentary elections.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday, US President Trump wrote that Takaichi has already proven himself to be a "strong, capable and intelligent leader... who truly loves his country."
Trump added, "He (Takaichi) will not let the Japanese people down."
US presidents do not usually publicly endorse candidates in foreign elections. However, Trump has done so before. He recently endorsed Javier Milley of Argentina and Nasri Asfoura in the elections in Honduras. His public support is believed to have played a major role in Asfoura's victory.
As Tokyo seeks a more stable relationship with Washington in the wake of Trump's tariffs, Takaichi has sought to build closer ties with the US president. Trump initially threatened a 25 percent tariff, but in July Japan signed a deal to invest $550 billion in the United States. In exchange, Washington reduced import tariffs to 15 percent.
Takaichi, 64, became prime minister in October after winning the necessary support from his party leadership and parliament. But he called early elections last month to gain direct popular support.
Just a week after taking office, Takaichi hosted a royal reception for Trump, with a military guard of honor at Tokyo's Akasaka Palace.
It was Takaichi's diplomatic tour, and the scenery was quite impressive. Takaichi was seen waving enthusiastically as Trump stood on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, praising him in front of thousands of US troops. The scene was broadcast around the world.
Takaichi wants to present himself as a leader with whom Trump can do business comfortably. He also has an excellent personal relationship with Trump.
The two leaders also share similar views on defense issues. Trump wants Japan to spend more on its own security, while Takaichi is in favor of increasing Japan's defense budget.
During their visit to Japan, they exchanged high praise and signed an agreement on rare earth minerals. They also announced the beginning of a new "golden age" in US-Japan relations. Takaichi called Trump a partner in this new golden age.
Trump wrote in his post, "My delegation and I were very impressed with his (Takaichi) hospitality during our visit to Japan." He also wrote that he will welcome Takaichi to the White House on March 19.
Who is the message for?
Trump's endorsement is not just for Japanese voters; it is also a message for countries in the region, and especially for China, which is currently experiencing diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo, which have reached their lowest point in a decade.
Last November, Takaichi said that Japan could respond with its own defense forces if China attacked Taiwan. Despite a strong reaction from China, Takaichi did not back down from his position.
According to polls, Takaichi is expected to win the election by a large margin. However, after winning, he will face difficult challenges such as managing a stagnant economy and maintaining a balance in relations with the United States and China.
Support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Hungary
US President Donald Trump has expressed his support for Hungary's far-right leader Viktor Orban ahead of parliamentary elections in April, Al Jazeera reported, praising the Hungarian leader for his tough stance on immigration and nationalist policies.
In a post on Truth Social yesterday, Trump described Orbán as a "strong and powerful leader."
"He (Orbán) works tirelessly for his great country and people. He loves them, just as I do for the United States," Trump wrote.
Finding similarities between himself and Orbán, Trump explained that they both believe in efforts to 'stop illegal immigration' and 'ensure law and order'.
According to Trump, under his administration, relations between Hungary and the United States have reached a new level of mutual cooperation and success, much of which is due to Prime Minister Orbán.
Trump reminded that he had supported Orbán in the 2022 election and that he was honored to do so again.
Why this support is important
Viktor Orbán is the longest-serving prime minister in Hungarian history (1998-2002 and current since 2010). However, his party, Fidesz, is expected to face a major challenge in the upcoming April 12 elections.
Recent opinion polls show the center-right 'Tisa' party leading Orban's party by 7 points.
Human rights groups have often criticized Orban's government for undermining democracy and suppressing dissent. However, Trump has consistently stood by Orban and supported his policies.
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