Trump endorses Japan's PM Takaichi ahead of Sunday election, plans March White House visit
U.S. President Donald Trump gave his "complete and total endorsement" to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi days before her country's general election, announcing a March 19 White House meeting.
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday endorsed Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of the country's general election scheduled for Sunday, and announced plans to welcome her to the White House on March 19.
In a social media post, Trump praised Takaichi as a "strong, powerful and wise" leader. "Prime Minister Takaichi is someone who deserves powerful recognition for the job she and her Coalition are doing and, therefore, 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," Trump wrote.
The announcement of the March 19 meeting marks the first public disclosure of the planned in-person talks between Trump and Takaichi. The visit will be her first to the United States since becoming Prime Minister.
Trump's endorsement of a specific political figure in a foreign country's election is uncommon. Officials noted that it is very rare for the leader of any country to back a particular candidate ahead of a national election in another nation.
Japan's general election is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 9.