Trump hosts Takaichi for a long-scheduled White House visit aimed at burnishing the decades-old security and economic partnership ​between Washington and its closest East Asian ally. Hours before the White House meeting, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said ‌he would expect that Japan, which gets 95% of its crude oil supplies from the Gulf, would want to ensure its supplies are safe. "This has suddenly become a very fraught visit for Takaichi," said Chris Johnstone, a former White House official who is now a partner at the Asia Group consultancy. Trump heaped praise on Takaichi during a visit to Tokyo after she became Japan's first female prime minister last year. In her meeting with Trump, Takaichi may have to find a way of placating him over his demand for ships while avoiding domestic legal and political pitfalls.

Source: Bangkok Post March 19, 2026 18:52 UTC