Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso made a strategic move by meeting with Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York on April 23 to work on rebuilding the relationship between Japan's ruling party and the former U.S. president. Aso, who currently holds the position of vice president in the Liberal Democratic Party, engaged in an hour-long discussion with Trump, who expressed admiration for Aso's reputation in Japan and beyond.
Aso's visit to Trump's office came amidst talks of Trump potentially making a comeback to the White House by defeating President Joe Biden in the upcoming election. The meeting between the two leaders took place after Trump's appearance at a hush-money trial in New York related to the 2016 presidential campaign. Aso's efforts to arrange a meeting with Trump earlier had not been successful, but his recent visit marks an important step in strengthening diplomatic ties between Japan and the United States.
During Trump's presidency, Aso, who previously served as deputy prime minister and finance minister under the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was often seen accompanying Abe in various diplomatic meetings and recreational activities with Trump. Trump's recent meetings with international political figures like British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Polish President Andrzej Duda are believed to be part of his efforts to increase his political presence ahead of the upcoming election.