‘It was my Honour to Endorse you’: Trump Congratulates Japan’s Takaichi on Historic Election Victory

US President Donald Trump on Sunday congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her coalition on what he described as a landslide victory in Japan’s general election, calling the outcome historic and praising her leadership.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, "Congratulations to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Coalition on a LANDSLIDE Victory in today's very important Vote."

He described Takaichi as a highly respected and popular leader and said her decision to call an election had paid off big time.

Trump noted that Takaichi's party now commands a two-thirds supermajority in the House of Representatives, terming it a historic first since World War II.

LDP Secures Historic Two-Thirds Majority

He also commended Japanese voters, calling them wonderful and stating they would always have his strong support.

In a direct endorsement of a foreign leader during an election, Trump declared, "As President of the United States of America, it is my Honor to give a Complete and Total Endorsement of her, and what her highly respected Coalition is representing."

He concluded the message with a strong vote of confidence, writing in capital letters, "SHE WILL NOT LET THE PEOPLE OF JAPAN DOWN."

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Takaichi, secured a two-thirds majority in the 465-member House of Representatives, increasing its strength from 198 to over 310 seats.

This historic margin allows the LDP to pursue constitutional revisions and pass legislation even if rejected by the upper House of Councillors, where the ruling coalition remains a minority.

Trump Highlights Bilateral Cooperation on Security and Trade

The landslide victory is widely attributed to Takaichi’s personal popularity. Along with her coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, Takaichi will command a dominant presence in the lower house, reinforcing her position since taking office in October.

Takaichi expressed her appreciation for Trump’s message, underscoring her commitment to strengthening the Japan-US alliance and confirming her upcoming visit to the White House on March 19, her first since taking office.

She highlighted that the alliance and friendship between the two countries are rooted in deep trust and strong cooperation, stressing the potential for further collaboration across security, economic, and strategic domains.

Trump also pointed to bilateral cooperation, highlighting close coordination between Washington and Tokyo on national security and trade.

He recalled his recent visit to Japan, during which he and his delegation were extremely impressed with her leadership, and referred to a substantial trade deal that benefits both countries.

US Officials Hail Takaichi’s Victory

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ambassador to Japan George Glass described Takaichi’s victory as a big and impressive win and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to deepening US-Japan cooperation.

The Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to Washington will precede Trump’s planned trip to China in April, as Beijing has adopted an increasingly hard-line stance following her comments on a potential crisis in the Taiwan Strait.

Since taking office, Takaichi has been praised by Trump, who has described her as a protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom he maintained a close relationship during his first term.

The US State Department said the administration looks forward to advancing US security and economic priorities, as well as shared interests in the Indo-Pacific and globally.

A State Department spokesperson called the US-Japan alliance the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the region and stated that it has never been stronger.

(With inputs from ANI)