Donald Trump Meets with Former Japanese PM Taro Aso, Discusses Weak Yen Concerns

Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso in New York on April 23, 2024. The meeting, which took place at Trump Tower, focused on the enduring importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and challenges posed by China and North Korea. Trump, who is currently the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, also raised concerns over the weak Japanese yen, calling it "a total disaster for the United States."

Aso, a longtime ally of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, remains one of the most influential politicians in Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party. His visit to Trump Tower comes as leaders and senior officials from some countries have been building rapport with the former U.S. president ahead of the November election. The Japanese government stated that it was not involved in arranging the meeting between Aso and Trump, which is considered a political activity in Aso's capacity as a lawmaker.

During the meeting, Trump praised Aso as a "highly respected man in Japan and beyond" and said they would be discussing Japan-U.S. relations and other topics. He also expressed his admiration for the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, describing him as a "great, great man." Aso, who has decades of experience shaping U.S.-Japan ties, hopes to strengthen the bilateral relationship on behalf of current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The meeting occurred about two weeks after U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled plans for military cooperation and an array of projects aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance. It also follows Kishida's recent trip to the U.S. to meet with Biden and showcase the strength of the bilateral alliance.

Why this matters: The meeting between Trump and Aso reflects Japan's efforts to connect with people close to the former U.S. president ahead of the 2024 presidential election. There are concerns that if Trump wins, he could resurrect protectionist trade measures or take other steps that could hurt the Japanese economy or impact strong defense ties with the United States.

Trump, who is currently on trial for allegedly falsifying business records to cover up an affair with an adult film star, criticized the recent rise in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen. He said, "The U.S. dollar hitting a 34-year high against the Japanese yen is a total disaster for the United States." The meeting between Aso and Trump is seen as the latest example of a U.S. ally seeking to establish ties with the Republican presidential candidate.

Key Takeaways

• Trump met with former Japanese PM Taro Aso in NYC on April 23, 2024.
• They discussed the U.S.-Japan alliance, China, North Korea, and the weak Japanese yen.
• Aso aims to strengthen bilateral ties on behalf of current PM Fumio Kishida.
• Japan seeks to connect with Trump ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
• Trump criticized the strong U.S. dollar against the yen, calling it a "total disaster".