As the Liberal Democratic Party won a landslide victory in Japan's general election, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who leads the party.
On the 8th (local time), President Trump said on Truth Social, "She is a highly respected and very popular leader," adding, "I congratulate Prime Minister Takaichi and the Liberal Democratic Party on their landslide victory."
He added, "Sanae's bold and wise decision to hold a general election has paid off greatly," saying, "It was my honor to support you and your alliance (the LDP–Japan Innovation Party ruling coalition)."
Earlier, Prime Minister Takaichi dissolved the House of Representatives (lower house) on the first day of the regular Diet session last month, throwing a quick-election gambit to secure seats. In this election, the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, won 316 and 36 seats, respectively, far exceeding the 310-seat threshold to introduce a constitutional amendment.
President Trump told Prime Minister Takaichi, "I hope for great success in carrying out your conservative 'peace through strength' agenda," stressing, "The wonderful people of Japan, who voted with such zeal, will always have my strong support."
This is being interpreted as a remark that bolsters Prime Minister Takaichi's push to amend Article 9 of Japan's Constitution—which includes the permanent renunciation of the use of force—to explicitly include the Self-Defense Forces in the Constitution and turn Japan into a "country capable of waging war."