Prime Minister Ishiba congratulates Trump on his second election

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, immediately revoking 78 of Joe Biden’s executive orders and withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate agreement.

“America’s golden age begins now,” he explain in his inaugural address. “From today on, our country will prosper and be respected by the world again. We will be the envy of every nation. We will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of again.”

Leaders from around the world quickly sent congratulatory messages to the new president, including Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

“Warmest congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on his inauguration as President of the United States of America,” he wrote on his X account. “I look forward to working with you to strengthen the enduring Japan-U.S. partnership and pursue our shared goals of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Shi Po hopes to meet Trump soon

He later told reporters he hoped to meet with Trump soon. “I want to have serious discussions with him to build trust and explore how a bilateral relationship based on our respective national interests can contribute to world peace and economy,” Ishiba said.

Ishiba plans to hold a face-to-face meeting with Trump on his way back to Tokyo from South America in November. However, the plan was shelved. According to government sources, the United States is preparing for a summit in the first half of February.

Former Trump aide says Ishiba needs to adopt ‘Japan first’ mentality

Ado Machida, the former executive director of policy for Donald Trump’s first presidential transition team, warned Ishiba not to “kowtow” to the new president. He believes that Trump wants the Prime Minister to “Japan First”, just like the US Prime Minister pursues “America First”.

Machida added, “You want someone who’s strong, someone who’s going to tell him the truth, someone who’s going to give him the objective truth.”

Takeshi Iwaya’s attendance and Elon Musk’s controversial gesture

Takeshi Iwaya attended Monday’s inauguration, the first Japanese foreign minister invited to the event. “I think this shows the importance the Trump administration attaches to Japan-U.S. relations,” he said.

Before the ceremony, Iwaya also spoke with technology billionaire Elon Musk. Musk’s gesture at the event sparked controversy, with many comparing it to a Nazi salute. Then he saluted again to the person sitting behind him.

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