Trump Mentions Abe More Than Ishiba: "Dead Abe Saved Ishiba"

Trump highlights Abe's legacy during successful summit with Japan's new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a highly successful summit. However, much of the attention in Japan has focused on Trump’s repeated references to the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, leading to the assertion that “dead Abe saved Ishiba.” According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japanese officials have suggested that Abe's legacy played a crucial role in the success of the summit.

During the meeting, Trump mentioned Abe more frequently than he did Ishiba, despite this being the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders. Trump repeatedly referenced Abe’s leadership and expressed his deep sadness over the assassination of the former prime minister in 2022, stating, "Shinzo was a great friend. I have never been so sad." The U.S. President continued to bring up Abe throughout the press conference following the summit, citing his accomplishments and their shared experiences in office.

Trump made it clear that Abe's influence still looms large in his perception of Japan's leadership, even as he met with Ishiba. Over the course of the 40-minute meeting, Trump mentioned Abe five times, focusing particularly on their past efforts to increase Japan’s defense spending. In particular, Trump recalled his close collaboration with Abe on economic policies, which had a significant impact on Japan's relations with the United States.

This display of reverence for Abe's legacy, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun, suggests that Trump still views Japan's strategic relationship through the lens of his bond with the former prime minister, who held office from 2012 until his tragic assassination in 2022. Their relationship was well-known for being extraordinarily close, with Trump and Abe referring to each other by their first names, "Donald" and "Shinzo," and holding nearly monthly meetings or calls to discuss global issues.

Their partnership was notably highlighted in the memoir of John Bolton, former National Security Advisor under Trump. Bolton recalled an instance in 2018 where Abe advised Trump to be cautious with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of the first U.S.-North Korea summit. Bolton even called Abe Trump’s closest foreign ally during his first term in office.

In the press conference, Trump also praised Ishiba, acknowledging that while he had not worked closely with him, Abe had great respect for the new prime minister. Trump expressed confidence in Ishiba's ability to lead Japan, pointing to Abe's own achievements as a model. "Abe was the longest-serving prime minister in Japan's history," Trump remarked. "I think Ishiba will be a great leader for Japan as well."

The close ties between Trump and Abe were also highlighted in 2024 when Trump invited Abe's widow, Akie, to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where the two shared a dinner. Trump's unwavering praise for Abe not only underscores the depth of their relationship but also positions Abe’s legacy as a guiding influence in shaping U.S.-Japan relations going forward.

This summit, marked by extensive discussion of Abe’s policies and leadership, underscores how Abe’s legacy continues to shape political interactions between Japan and the United States, even as new leadership emerges in Tokyo. Trump’s comments reveal that his perception of Japan’s future leaders is deeply intertwined with his memories of working alongside the late Shinzo Abe.