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Feb 10, 2017 - Politics & Policy

The takeaways from Trump's joint presser with Abe

Alayna Treene

Evan Vucci / AP

  • The immigration ban: The president said he has "no doubt" he'll eventually prevail in court and hinted that something is coming "very rapidly" next week on national security.
  • TPP: Prime Minister Abe dodged multiple questions on TPP. Instead, he said he remained focused on a plan for VP Pence to begin a new economic dialogue with Japan's Deputy PM.
  • 1 fun thing: Trump reportedly didn't wear his translation earpiece for Abe's opening statement.

President Trump

  • The U.S. is committed to the security of Japan: Both countries will invest heavily in "mutual defense." Trump specifically singled out the North Korean threat as "very, very high priority."
  • Wants a trading relationship that is free, fair and reciprocal — "benefitting both of our countries."
  • Asked about China's role in Asia: Trump mentions his call with President Xi yesterday, but spiraled away into a discussion on Obamacare.

Prime Minister Abe

  • "Some people mistakenly pronounce my name as 'Abe' which is okay," because even in Japan everyone know the name of "the great president [Lincoln]."
  • Large scale infrastructure investment: Abe said that Japan could help the U.S. build a bullet train from DC to NYC.
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