The Latest: Trump meets with Japan’s newly elected, first female leader, Sanae Takaichi

Trump spent Sunday in Malaysia as part of his ongoing trip through Asia to discuss mostly trade with world leaders, aiming to highlight America’s influence on the global economy.

The Latest:

Trump and Takaichi sign two agreements

Both leaders signed the implementation of an agreement for the “golden age” of their countries’ alliance.

Held up after the signing, the document ran to less than one-page.

Trump and Takaichi then signed a second agreement, this one laying out a U.S.-Japan framework for securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earths.

When the signing ceremony had concluded, a reporter called out a question to Trump but got no answer. Organizers asked in English that the press please move on to the next event.

Japan planning to give Washington 250 new cherry trees next year

Takaichi told Trump that her country would give Washington some 250 additional cherry trees next year, in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration — as well as fireworks from Akita Prefecture for July 4 celebrations in 2026.

Then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gifted 250 new cherry trees to Washington during a visit to the White House with President Joe Biden in 2024.

Last year’s gift was meant to replace trees removed for construction to repair the crumbling seawall around the nation’s capital’s Tidal Basin, while also commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026.

Trump says Takaichi as Japan’s first female prime minister is ‘a big deal’

The president offered especially effusive praise to Takaichi, telling her, “Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there.”

“You’re going to do a fantastic job, and we’re going to have a fantastic relationship,” he said.

Trump also hailed Takaichi being the first woman to hold the post, saying, “That’s a big deal,” before adding, “You will be one of the great prime ministers.”

The president told Takaichi that his offer to support Japan in all situations extended to any “favors you need.”

Takaichi mentions her mentor’s bond with Trump

Takaichi used her early remarks to mention former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, her archconservative mentor who forged a strong bond with Trump during the U.S. president’s first term.

“As a matter of fact, Prime Minister Abe often told me about your dynamic diplomacy,” she said.

In his own comments, Trump said, “I want to thank you very much and I want to congratulate you.”

He continued: “Shinzo Abe was a great friend of mine,” and added, “he spoke so well of you.”

Trump said Abe “would be very happy to know that” Takaichi was now prime minister.

Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022, during an election campaign speech. Trump recalled being saddened by Abe’s killing.

Takaichi starts meeting with Trump by talking about US World Series

Before meeting with Trump, the Japanese prime minister said she was watching the Los Angeles Dodgers play the Toronto Blue Jays in the U.S. World Series.

Takaichi said the Dodgers were up 1-0 and that she really enjoyed watching it.

Baseball is a shared pastime in the U.S. and Japan. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is a near ubiquitous presence across Japan in ads and the Dodgers ballpark increasingly caters to tourists from Japan coming to the U.S. to watch him.

Trump praises Takaichi’s ‘strong handshake’

The president arrived for a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Akasaka palace in Tokyo.

Trump was surrounded by U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

While posing for photos, Trump shook hands with Takaichi and said, “That’s a very strong handshake.”

The U.S. delegation also included White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said to Takaichi, “Congratulations, we’re so excited for you.”

Trump and Takaichi are scheduled to hold upcoming meetings.

White House pulls the nomination for the top US diplomat for the Middle East

The White House has pulled the nomination of a retired Army colonel and former special envoy for Syria during the first Trump administration to become the top U.S. diplomat for the Middle East, according to a congressional aide and a State Department official familiar with the matter.

Joel Rayburn’s nomination had been held up for months in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky before it was finally cleared last week for a full Senate confirmation vote, according to the aide and the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the White House withdrawal has not yet been announced.

Neither could or would say why exactly the nomination was pulled, but Rayburn had been seen by some in the White House as not supportive enough of Trump administration priorities.

The State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs has not had a Senate-confirmed assistant secretary since January.

— By Matthew Lee, AP Diplomatic Writer

Top US Senators are demanding NBA provide information over alleged gambling scheme

Sen. Ted Cruz, the Republican Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, the top Democrat on the panel, want information “about how the NBA investigated and handled these allegations as well as what steps the Association is taking to maintain the public’s trust.”

“Americans love basketball because it is fast-paced and unpredictable,” the senators wrote to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

“That volatility is the sport’s magic, and precisely why allegations that current and former National Basketball Association (NBA) players and coaches compromised the game’s integrity are so troubling,” they said.

The Commerce Committee, which has vast authority over sports and other matters, is seeking the information after last week’s arrests in relation to the alleged gambling scheme. The senators want a response by Nov. 10.

Who is Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s new prime minister?

Ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi is Japan’s first female prime minister and was tapped by parliament for her post mere days before Trump’s arrival.

A hawk on security issues and fan of heavy metal music, Takaichi replaced the outgoing Shigeru Ishiba after his long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party suffered big losses in July elections.

The 64-year-old Takaichi grew up near the ancient Japanese capital of Nara and is an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She has opposed efforts aimed at boosting women’s achievements in a country where men still largely hold sway.

Takaichi meets Tuesday with Trump and has called the Japan-U.S. alliance a “cornerstone” of Japanese diplomacy. She’s also stressed that Japan is an indispensable partner for America in its strategy to provide counterweights to China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Senators seek probe over the costs of National Guard deployments

Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, said Trump’s deployment of the National Guard into American cities for security “marks a significant departure from long-standing practice” and “carries substantial cost implications that have not been publicly disclosed or formally justified to Congress.”

Merkley and other Democrats on the panel are asking the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office to provide an accounting of the deployments and operations.

“Congress must have a clear understanding of both the immediate and long-term budgetary consequences of this policy,” the senators wrote.

Senators ask Trump administration to let Americans preview next year’s Affordable Care Act options

In Monday’s letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the largely Democratic group of 28 lawmakers noted that this “window shopping” period has opened on Oct. 25 or 26 over the past eight years.

On Monday, Healthcare.gov appeared to show 2025 health insurance plans and estimated prices, instead of next year’s options. A banner on the website instructs enrollees to “come back November 1 for a more accurate estimate” of their 2026 health costs.

CMS on Monday was expected to temporarily bring back all its workers furloughed during the shutdown, in part to manage the ACA open enrollment period that starts Saturday.

Many states that operate their own health insurance marketplaces have already given enrollees a peek into 2026 prices. Premiums are expected to skyrocket next year in anticipation of rising health costs and expiring subsidies that have made the plans more affordable.

Senate GOP leader talks with Trump, but no easy fix to end shutdown or save SNAP

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he spoke with the president late Sunday but offered no new strategy for ending the government shutdown, now in its 27th day.

“He, like all of us, wants the government opened up,” Thune said.

Thune also signaled there’s no easy fix ahead to pay air traffic controllers and other federal workers, or to ensure food stamps are not turned off Saturday.

Republicans are pushing Democrats to drop their demands for health care funds, for now, and reopen government.

“The answer is very simple. Paying SNAP recipients, paying the military, paying all federal workers — ATC, TSA, Border Patrol — it’s all really simple,” he said

“We are where we are.”

Hegseth departs on southeast Asia trip

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has departed on his own, separate trip to southeast Asia early on Monday and he plans to visit four countries as part of his travel.

Hegseth will visit Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea, according to a statement released by the Pentagon late on Sunday. As part of this trip, Hegseth will attend a meeting of the region’s defense ministers and co-chair an annual security meeting with his South Korean counterpart.

It was not clear from the Pentagon’s announcement how much, if any, of Hegseth’s trip would overlap with Trump, who is travelling in the region largely to discuss trade. Trump is currently in Japan and he’s set to visit South Korea next. Hegseth was in Hawaii on Monday morning.

World Central Kitchen provides food to federal workers in Washington, DC

The food charity, known for opening public kitchens and distributing meals in war zones and in the aftermath of natural disasters, was providing food to federal workers furloughed by the government shutdown. It was distributing fresh food, ranging from vegetarian to meat options, and fruit and water to dozens of people on Monday.

Elizabeth Anderson, a furloughed NASA employee, said it’s tough being a federal worker during this moment. She said the food provided “a little extra cushion for the furlough.”

Humberto Lopez, a furloughed federal worker with the Department of Defense, said he is starting to feel the financial squeeze of the shutdown.

“It’s starting to get real,” he said, waiting in line for food. “You know you can’t sustain this for much longer.”

Ontario premier brags about anti-tariff Reagan ad that prompted Trump cancel trade talks

The leader of Canada’s most populous province is bragging about the impact of his anti-tariff ad that prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to end trade talks with Canada.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the ad had over a “billion impressions around the world” and “generated a conversation that wasn’t happening in the U.S.”

The populist Conservative premier says it was the “best ad I ever ran” and says he’s achieved his goals.

Ontario’s television advertisement criticizes Trump’s tariffs by citing a speech from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

The ad upset Trump who said he plans to hike tariffs on imports of Canadian goods by an extra 10%.

“You know why President Trump is so upset right now? It was because it was effective,” Ford says.

Democrats see GOP’s Indiana remap effort as a desperate manipulation

Republicans outnumber Democrats in Indiana’s congressional delegation 7-2, limiting possibilities of squeezing out another seat. But many in the party see this mid-cycle redistricting effort as a chance for the GOP to represent all nine seats.

Among the targets is the 1st District, a Democratic stronghold near Chicago in the state’s northwest corner held by third-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan. He’s won reelection twice despite previous GOP efforts to redraw the borders to help Republicans.

“I believe that representation should be earned through ideas and service, not political manipulation,” Mrvan said in a statement Monday.

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder threatened legal action if the Republicans pass any new maps: “This is not democracy. This is desperation,” she said in a statement.

The scramble is on to get groceries for millions when SNAP shuts off

The countdown is on to figure out how to keep food on the table for the nearly 42 million Americans who receive SNAP grocery assistance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy food won’t be replenished in November due to the government shutdown.

About 1 in 8 people in the U.S. receive the aid.

It’s not clear whether the pause in the program will shift anything in the negotiations to reopen the government.

It is leaving beneficiaries, states and food banks scrambling for ways to fill the gaps.

Indiana Senate leader’s spokesperson says the GOP lacks the votes to redistrict

Indiana’s Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray was among the state lawmakers who met privately with Trump as the White House pressured them to redraw the state’s House districts to give the GOP more of an advantage. But his spokesperson said Monday that the votes are still lacking, casting doubt on whether a special session called by Gov. Braun will be successful.

With only 10 Democrats in the 50-member Senate, that means more than a dozen of the 40 Republicans oppose the idea. Some state Republican lawmakers have warned that midcycle redistricting can be costly and could backfire politically.

Gov. Braun a staunch ally of Trump in a state the president won handily. He previously said he did not want to try mid-decade redistricting unless he was sure lawmakers would back a new map.

But on Monday, he said it was the right thing to do: “I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair,” Braun said.

Louisiana state rep, Gov. Landry ally, Emerson enters GOP race against Cassidy

Julie Emerson, a Republican Louisiana state representative, is running to unseat fellow Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who is seeking a third term in 2026.

Emerson, 37, chairs the Louisiana House ways and means committee and is an ally of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. She announced her candidacy in a video posted Monday morning.

Landry had spoken to Trump in May about U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow as a potential primary challenger to Cassidy, who is unpopular with a segment of Louisiana’s GOP base. Cassidy voted in January 2021 to convict Trump after his second impeachment. Emerson said in August that she would run if Letlow didn’t. She now joins a crowded primary field, which includes state Treasurer John Fleming, state Sen. Blake Miguez and others.

Largest federal worker union weighs in on shutdown

The president of the union that represents more than 800,000 government workers says that both political parties have made their point and it’s time to end the shutdown.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, said every worker should be back on the job with full pay. His statement comes as more workers miss their first full paycheck.

“It’s time to pass a clean continuing resolution and end this shutdown today,” Kelley said. “No half measures, and no gamesmanship.”

The AFGE carries considerable political weight in Washington, particularly on the Democratic side. Kelley said there is no winning a government shutdown.

“It’s time for our leaders to start focusing on how to solve problems for the American people, rather than on who is going to get the blame for a shutdown that Americans dislike,” Kelley said in a statement posted on the union’s website.

Voting has begun for New York City mayor and New Jersey governor

New Yorkers are choosing between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat on the ballot as an independent. The incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, is also on the ballot despite dropping out and supporting Cuomo.

The New Jersey governor’s race features Republican state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli against Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

Mamdani appeared with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Sunday, telling a raucous crowd that his campaign is a “movement of the masses” against billionaires and “oligarchs.” As the crowd chanted his name, Mamdani reiterated plans to hire thousands of new teachers, renegotiate city contracts, freeze rent increases for the city’s 1 million rent-regulated apartments, build more affordable housing and provide universal child care.

Cuomo argued that he’s the real Democrat and that Mamdani’s democratic socialism would send residents and businesses fleeing: “He wins, book airline tickets for Florida now.”

▶ See where Americans are already voting across the U.S.

USS Nimitz heads home after losing a fighter jet and a helicopter in the South China Sea

The Navy’s Pacific Fleet said three people went down in the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, quickly followed by the ejection of both aviators in the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet. All five were rescued.

The causes are under investigation, but Trump speculated while en route to Tokyo that “bad fuel” could be to blame for both crashes. The president ruled out foul play and said there was “nothing to hide.”

The Nimitz is returning to Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after being deployed to Middle East in response to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on commercial shipping. The aircraft carrier is on its final deployment before decommissioning.

Chinese diplomat praises Trump-Xi relations in call with Rubio

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call Monday that they both have “world-class leaders.”

Wang said the “long-standing exchange and mutual respect” of presidents Xi and Trump have become the most valuable strategic asset” of the bilateral ties, according to a statement by the Chinese foreign ministry.

U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators said they made progress toward a possible trade deal during talks in Malaysia, ahead of the expected meeting between Trump and Xi on Thursday in South Korea.

Ford thanks Trump as Japan floats buying a fleet of F-150 trucks

The streets in Japan are famously narrow and congested, but no matter: Japan’s government said it may import Ford F-150 trucks for its transport ministry to use while inspecting roads and infrastructure. That would be a win for the Trump administration, which has long complained of American vehicles being shut out of the market that’s home to Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Subaru.

“We appreciate President Trump’s advocating for American made products,” Ford spokesperson Dave Tovar said. “We would be excited to introduce America’s best-selling truck to work and government customers in Japan.”

Trump bought into the idea while flying to Asia, saying “That’s a hot truck.”

Indiana governor bows to Trump pressure, calls a redistricting session

Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun called Monday for state lawmakers to return to Indianapolis for a special session on Nov. 3 to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries, escalating a national fight over midcycle redistricting.

Trump has ramped up pressure on Republican governors to give the party an easier path to maintain control of the House. Republicans in Texas and Missouri moved quickly, and California Democrats responded with their own redistricting plan. But Indiana lawmakers have been far more hesitant.

A spokesperson for a state senate leader said last week that the Indiana Senate lacked the votes to pass a new congressional map, but the White House has held multiple meetings with holdout lawmakers, including a return trip to Indianapolis on Oct. 10 by Vice President JD Vance.

CORRECTION: Last week’s statement that the Senate lacked the votes was incorrectly attributed to a spokesperson for Braun. The statement was made by a spokesperson for state Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray.

Republicans confronted with voter frustration over rising health care premiums

Notices of rising health insurance premiums are landing in voters’ mailboxes and sending some to town halls to vent their frustration. Republicans have offered few answers, saying they won’t negotiate until Democrats end the shutdown.

The moment revives a familiar dynamic in a the Republican Party that is united in opposing the Affordable Care Act but since the Obama administration has lacked a clear plan to replace it. The lack of a plan to address to rising costs risks political backlash for Republicans in next year’s midterms.

Democrats have said tax credits that kept the costs lower should be extended and refused to reopen the government until they are.

▶ Read more about voters confronting GOP lawmakers over rising health care costs

Private donors gave more than $125M to keep some foreign aid programs going

When the Trump administration froze foreign assistance overnight, urgent efforts began to figure out how private donors could support critical aid programs.

Multiple groups launched fundraisers in February, eventually mobilizing more than $125 million in emergency funding. It wasn’t nearly enough, but was more than organizers had imagined possible. And with needs piling up, wealthy donors and private foundations grappled had to determine: Of the thousands of programs the U.S. funded abroad, which ones could have the biggest impact if saved?

Sasha Gallant led a team at the U.S. Agency for International Development that specialized in identifying programs cost-effective and impactful programs. Along with colleagues who had been fired or worked outside of business hours, they identified 80 programs they recommended to private donors, and Project Resource Optimization announced that all had been funded.

▶ Read more about how private donors stepped in when USAID dropped out

Biden calls these ‘dark days’ as he urges Americans to ‘get back up’

Former President Joe Biden called these “dark days” as he urged Americans to stay optimistic and to not check out as Trump attacks free speech and asserts expanded executive powers.

“We’re more powerful than any dictator,” Biden said after receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston Sunday night.

America depends on a balance of powers between a presidency with limited power, a functioning Congress and an autonomous judiciary, he said: “Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world.”

Biden, 82, ended his first public speech since a round of radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer on an optimistic note, predicting Americans will “find our true compass again” and “emerge as we always have — stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith.”

Trump ‘might, just might,’ actually reach a deal with China

Chinese markets logged solid gains Monday and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.1% to 26,434.69, while the Shanghai Composite index added 1.2% to 3,996.94 — reflecting growing hopes that after months of escalating trade disputes, Trump might be right when he said “I think we’re going to come away with a deal” with China.

“This isn’t just photo-op diplomacy. Behind the showmanship, Washington and Beijing’s top trade lieutenants have quietly mapped out a framework that might, just might, keep the world’s two largest economies from tearing up the field again,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary.

Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to hold their high-stakes meeting on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea.

U.S. futures jump and world shares are mixed on chances for US-China trade deal

Asian shares surged Monday while European markets were little changed after Trump said he expected to reach a trade agreement with China.

Germany’s DAX gained 0.2% to 24,279.53 and the CAC 40 in Paris slipped 0.1% to 8,218.42. Britain’s FTSE 100 also shed 0.1%, to 9,640.12. The future for the S&P 500 jumped 0.9% while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.6%.

Work on trade deals that might alleviate friction between the U.S., China and other major trading partners has reassured investors, especially in Asia.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 2.5% to 50,512.32, a new closing high following news that the world’s two largest economies had reached an initial consensus for Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to finalize during a high-stakes meeting later in the week.

Trade war opens Chinese market to Brazilian soybean producers

Brazilian farmers are increasing soybean production as the U.S. and China engage in a trade fight.

The conflict has shut American soybeans out of the Chinese market, leading China to seek more Brazilian supply. China’s customs body reported no U.S. soybean imports in September, a first since November 2018.

Brazilian soybeans already accounted for over 70% of China’s imports last year. Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry expects the next soybean harvest to rise by 3.6%.

Farmers in the U.S. are worried about losing the Chinese market permanently, even if a trade agreement is reached, and are seeking other markets.

South Korea trade deal may not be ready during Trump's visit

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a potential agreement, which has been the subject of extensive negotiation, could require more time.

“Just a lot of details to work out,” he said. “Very complicated deal, and I think we’re very close.”

A sticking point has been Washington’s push for South Korea to invest $350 billion in the U.S.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said “Koreans have a great plan to invest in U.S. shipbuilding,” an industry that Trump wants to expand.

Trade deal with China is coming together

Bessent says there’s “a framework” for Trump and Xi to discuss during a meeting in South Korea later this week.

The details are still unclear, but Bessent said American and Chinese negotiators discussed tariffs, rare earths, fentanyl and “a substantial purchase of U.S. agricultural products.” Specifically, Washington wants Beijing to buy soybeans from U.S. farmers.

Trump chimed in by saying “we feel good” about working things out with China.

Even overseas, Trump keeping his eye on pet projects back home

As Air Force One approached Tokyo, Trump posted on social media about renovations at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

He said exterior columns had been “beautifully painted in a luxuriant white enamel color, replacing the fake looking gold paint that was there for years.”

There are also “many major improvements” on the way, including “seating, carpeting, wall coverings, ceilings, chandeliers, stages, heating and A/C, etc.”

Trump also posted a picture of the renovated Oval Office, which features extensive gold trim and more portraits of presidential predecessors.

“Look how beautiful the Oval Office is, now,” he wrote.

No reprieve for Canada

Trump is still upset about Ontario’s television advertisements criticizing his tariffs by citing a speech from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

Trump noted that the advertisement was yanked from the air, “but they did it very late” and “they let it play for another two nights.”

Trump said he wouldn’t meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in South Korea, where they’re attending the same summit.

“I don’t want to meet with him,” he said. “I’m not going to be meeting with him for a while.”

Trump is still pushing to remake the Federal Reserve

The president said he wants the current chairman, Jay Powell, to leave “as soon as possible,” and he could pick a replacement by the end of the year.

Powell’s term as chair ends in May. Trump has stepped back from threats to fire Powell, although he has tried to push out another board member, Lisa Cook.

Bessent said they’re preparing a slate of candidates for Trump to choose from. And Trump reiterated that Bessent is a possibility for the job himself.

Lots of questions — but not always answers

During the gaggle with reporters, Trump boasted about his administration’s transparency, pointing to all the top officials taking questions from the media.

“You can ask anything you want. There’s never been anything like this,” he said.

But Trump still wants to keep some things under wraps. Specifically, he’s still unwilling to identify the donor who provided $130 million to pay U.S. troops during the government shutdown.

Trump said only that “he’s an unbelievable patriot.”

Trump hails Argentina election results

The political party of Argentine President Javier Milei did well in the country’s midterm elections, and Trump called it “a big win.”

“He had a lot of help from us,” Trump said. “I gave him an endorsement, a very strong endorsement.”

The administration has also been extending economic assistance to Argentina, including raising the possibility of buying Argentine beef to bring down prices in the U.S.

The idea has upset American cattle ranchers, but Trump brushed off the issue.

“We’re going to get the price of beef down, and I’m going to make sure the cattle ranchers don’t get hurt,” Trump said.

Trump praises Elon Musk

The president and the tech titan had an explosive falling out when Musk left the administration, where he was spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency. They reconnected at the funeral for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Trump suggested their dispute was water under the bridge.

“He had a bad period, a bad moment. It was a stupid moment in his life,” Trump said, adding, “I like Elon, and I suspect I’ll always like him.”

A third term for Trump?

Stephen Bannon, a Trump ally, has repeatedly said the president could serve a third term despite a constitutional prohibition. Trump himself has flirted with the idea.

Asked about it on Air Force One, Trump said, “I haven’t really thought about it.” He rejected the possibility of running for vice president as a way to get back to the presidency, saying, “I’d be allowed to do it” but wouldn’t because “it’s too cute.”

Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as potential future Republican candidates.

“I’m not sure if anybody would run against those two. I think if they ever formed a group, it would be unstoppable,” he said.

Trump still wants to meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un

The president’s overtures to reconnect with reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have gone unanswered.

“If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea,” Trump said.

Trump even said he’d be willing to extend his trip if there was a chance to talk to Kim. Since South Korea is Trump's last stop before returning to the U.S., “it’s pretty easy to do,” he noted.

Trump criticizes Georgia immigration raid on South Korean company

A source of tension has been a recent immigration raid at a Hyundai plant, which frustrated Korean business leaders who have been encouraged to invest in the United States.

Trump said, “I was opposed to getting them out,” and he said they were working on a new visa system that would make it easier for Korean companies to bring in skilled workers.

“We’re doing a whole new plan for that,” he said.

Trump said, “We want them to bring in experts” and “they’ll teach our people how to do it” before returning to Korea.

Trump speaks to reporters en route to Tokyo

Trump came back to the press cabin on Air Force One along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Bessent and Greer. They took questions for about a half hour.

Trump said he would talk about the “great friendship” between the U.S. and Japan during his visit.

“I hear phenomenal things" about the new Japanese prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, Trump said. He noted her closeness with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with whom Trump had a good relationship during his first term.

“It’s going to be very good,” he said. “That really helps Japan and the United States.”

Trade has been Trump’s focus in Asia

There’s no shortage of security issues in the region, including access to the South China Sea and the future of Taiwan. But Trump’s focus has undoubtedly been trade and his desire to realign the international economy in his vision of “America first.”

For the most part, that means tariffs, or at least the threat of them. Trump has frequently used taxes on imports — from allies and adversaries alike — in an effort to boost domestic manufacturing or seek more favorable terms.

However, his unilateral power to enact tariffs remains contested. Trump is awaiting a Supreme Court case that could solidify his authority or limit it.

Trump’s last stop was Malaysia

The president is flying to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur, where he attended the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He participated in a ceremonial signing of an expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, which fought earlier this year. Trump helped pressure both countries to stop by threatening to withhold trade agreements.

The summit is not a guaranteed part of any president’s itinerary, but it was an opportunity for Trump to reengage with a critical region for the first time since returning to office.

In addition, American and Chinese negotiators used the summit to advance trade talks, with the potential for an agreement that would reduce tensions between the world’s two largest economies later this week.

Trump congratulates Argentina’s Milei on midterms success

While on his way to Japan, Trump posted on Truth Social that Argentine President Javier Milei was “doing a wonderful job” as his party beat expectations in midterm elections.

“Our confidence in him was justified by the People of Argentina,” Trump wrote.

Trump ally Milei essentially received a vote of confidence to pursue his policies to break long-standing inflation and economic problems in Argentina. A libertarian seeking to unlock free-market forces, Milei has endeared himself to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement with an appearance this year at the Conservative Political Action Conference in the U.S.

The Trump administration provided a $20 billion credit swap line to bolster Milei ahead of the election and was looking to provide an additional $20 billion to support the value of Argentina’s peso.

Japan tightens security ahead of Trump's arrival

Japan’s capital saw heightened security ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s arrival on Monday. Tokyo’s metropolitan police set up a special task force and mobilized some 18,000 officers.

At Tokyo’s Haneda airport, where Trump will arrive, all lockers and garbage bins were closed or removed.

In downtown Tokyo, vehicles were checked and police dogs were stationed near the U.S. Embassy, where riot police were also deployed. One man was arrested for allegedly carrying knives outside the embassy.

Trump departs Malaysia for Japan

Trump is moving on to the second leg of his Asia tour, boarding Air Force One for Japan after time in Kuala Lumpur for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

The U.S. president didn’t talk to gathered reporters as he walked the red carpet and watched dancers as he made his way to the airplane.

Still, the president felt his time in Malaysia was productive, calling it a “very vibrant” nation in a post on his social media site. Trump noted the ceasefire agreement signed between Thailand and Cambodia as well as trade frameworks that were part of his time with leaders.

“Now, off to Japan!!!” Trump said on Truth Social.