Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso made a strategic move by visiting Donald Trump at his New York office in an effort to mend relations between his ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the former U.S. president. Aso is part of a lineup of foreign leaders meeting with Trump, who is contemplating a potential return to the presidency in the next election if he prevails over President Joe Biden in November. During the meeting at Trump Tower, Trump expressed admiration for Aso, highlighting their relationship and mentioning discussions on bilateral matters between Japan and the United States, along with other topics.
Former President Trump, acknowledging Aso’s stature both in Japan and internationally, held a press briefing before their one-hour meeting at Trump Tower, where Aso, who currently holds the position of vice president in the LDP, engaged with Trump. This meeting between Trump and Aso occurred following Trump's attendance at a hearing on his hush-money trial concerning the 2016 presidential campaign. Aso had previously traveled to the U.S. in January and had a meeting with former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty, although his initial attempts to secure a meeting with Trump during that visit were unfruitful.
Taro Aso's background includes serving as the deputy prime minister and finance minister in the administration of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, known for his close relationship with Trump. Aso frequently accompanied Abe on summit discussions and social outings, including golf outings, with Trump during his time in office. Trump's gathering with Aso is part of his recent engagements with global political figures, such as British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and Polish President Andrzej Duda, which are viewed as efforts to enhance his profile in the lead-up to the next election.