Donald Trump, President of the United States, breaks diplomatic protocol by openly endorsing Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of this Sunday’s general election and arranging a meeting to discuss matters in Washington this March.
On 6 February 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump caused a political stir again by publicly announcing support for Ms. Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s Prime Minister, and the ruling coalition ahead of the general election scheduled for this Sunday. He also announced a meeting in Washington on 19 March.
Trump posted on social media Thursday that he was very impressed with Takaichi after meeting her during his visit to Japan last October and viewed the upcoming election as critically important for Japan’s future.
Trump also praised Takaichi as a leader highly deserving of recognition for the achievements she and the coalition government are making. He declared, in his capacity as U.S. President, his full support for her, emphasizing in capital letters that she will not disappoint the Japanese people.
Trump’s public stance is seen as the first time a U.S. leader has openly supported a Japanese leader or political party during an election period, breaking the diplomatic convention that usually avoids interfering in the internal politics of allied countries.
. . .However, Trump has previously shown support for foreign leaders he favors, such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Source: Japan Times