Staff Reports
The spectacle in Tokyo was exactly the kind of unapologetic show of strength the American people elected. President Trump landed the moment with a cinematic entrance aboard the USS George Washington, flanked by roaring fighter jets and a proud display of American military might, and Japan’s new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, literally jumped for joy on stage as the two leaders greeted U.S. sailors and Japanese guests. It was raw, unmistakable signaling that America is back to leading from power — and the troops loved every second of it.
Conservatives should be thrilled to see diplomacy tied to strength rather than apologies and retreats. The crowd of thousands of U.S. sailors erupted as Trump introduced Takaichi, proving again that patriotism and power still get results where weak-kneed speeches do not. This is the kind of theater that sends a message to adversaries: allies are respected, and the American military remains the backbone of international stability.
The trip wasn’t just about showmanship — it produced real strategic goods for Americans and our partners. Trump and Prime Minister Takaichi signed a rare earths and critical minerals agreement to choke off Beijing’s chokehold on essential supplies while announcing massive Japanese investment in U.S. industry and a pledge for Japan to lift defense spending toward 2 percent of GDP. That kind of economic and military cooperation strengthens supply lines, jobs, and our collective deterrence in the Pacific.
For those who sneer at pageantry, remember that allies respond to certainty and confidence. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister and a political heir to Shinzo Abe’s hawkish posture, visibly celebrated the warm reception and the clear recommitment to defense cooperation; conservatives should welcome a like-minded partner across the Pacific. This friendship between two leaders who prize national security over globalist appeasement is the antidote to the directionless diplomacy we watched for years.
The visit also advanced concrete military cooperation: Trump announced imminent deliveries of U.S. missiles for Japan’s F-35 fighters and even rode with Takaichi to the carrier where he addressed thousands of sailors. Those steps aren’t symbolic theater — they are the hard measures that keep hostile regimes honest and protect American families and interests around the world. Showing up with capability matters far more than a lecture from a think-tank podium.
No, the coastal elites and headline chasers won’t like the theatrics, and naturally they’ll try to reduce the moment to sound bites and sarcasm. But hardworking Americans know the value of strength and loyalty: a trading partner investing billions in our economy, a military alliance that deters war, and leaders willing to stand tall. If this visit is any indication, the U.S.-Japan partnership under Trump and Takaichi will be a bulwark for peace and prosperity — and that’s something every patriot should celebrate.
