Travel pool report #16 - Remarks end.

POTUS wrapped up at 5:09 pm and YMCA started blasting. At 5:12 pm he got back on the open elevator and exited.

“We are not doing politically correct anymore” he said at the beginning, after offering praise for Sec Hegseth.

PM Takaichi took the stage at 4:18 pm to cheers.

POTUS praised the US Japan relationship as “ one of the most incredible relationships of the world”. The PM pumped her fist enthusiastically when the President remarked that she was the first woman in that role.

The PM gave short remarks, while the President stood next to her, saying Japan was committed to "fundamentally reinforce its defence capabilities" and warning about the "unprecedented security environment".

The President then escorted the Prime Minister off the stage and resumed his speech at 4:27 pm. The sailors and Marines in attendance reacted with cheers and applause.

Laughter was also heard at times, for example when POTUS mentioned “the fake news”.

Aurelia End

AFP White House Correspondent

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@aureliaendAFP