Trump Declares, "Toyota Is My Friend"—Praises U.S. Auto Manufacturing as a Key Driver of Economic Growth

Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba highlight new Japanese auto investments in the U.S., strengthening economic ties

During a joint press conference in Washington, D.C., on February 7 (local time), former U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed the strong economic partnership between the two nations, with a particular focus on new investments from Japan’s leading automakers, including Toyota and Isuzu. Ishiba announced that these companies are planning significant new investments in the United States, a move that Trump enthusiastically welcomed. According to Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on February 8, both leaders referred to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda as a “friend,” highlighting not only their personal connections but also the strategic importance of these investments in bolstering the U.S. economy.

Prime Minister Ishiba provided personal insights, revealing that he and Akio Toyoda have been close friends since their high school and university days. “Akio Toyoda was my classmate during both high school and college, and he’s looking forward to President Trump’s potential return to office,” Ishiba remarked. “He will soon announce new plans to expand Toyota’s investments in the U.S., aiming to create more jobs and contribute to America’s economic growth.” Both Ishiba, born in 1957, and Toyoda, born in 1956, attended Keio Gijuku High School and later studied together at Keio University’s Faculty of Law. Due to Japan’s academic calendar, which starts in April and ends the following March, they were part of the same academic cohort despite being born in different years.

Trump responded with characteristic enthusiasm, stating, “Akio Toyoda is my friend as well. Building cars in the United States isn’t just good business; it’s a great investment in American workers and our economy. Please send him my regards.” Trump’s remarks reflect his consistent advocacy for domestic manufacturing and job creation—central pillars of his "America First" economic agenda. This emphasis on U.S.-based production aligns with his broader political message as he eyes a potential return to the White House in the upcoming election cycle.

Akio Toyoda has maintained a strong relationship with Trump since his first presidential term. Notably, during the 2019 U.S.-Japan summit, Toyoda held a private 12-minute meeting with Trump, where he personally briefed the former president on Toyota’s $13 billion investment plan in the U.S., which included the expansion of manufacturing facilities in states like Alabama and Texas. These investments not only boosted local economies but also created thousands of new jobs, reinforcing the mutual economic benefits of U.S.-Japan cooperation.

The latest announcement of new investments comes at a critical time, as global supply chains continue to recover from disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities resonates with current U.S. economic priorities, including reducing dependence on foreign supply chains and increasing production resilience. Moreover, Japanese automakers’ commitment to the U.S. market reflects the enduring strength of bilateral economic ties, particularly in the automotive sector, which remains a cornerstone of both countries' industrial strategies.

Trump’s public display of camaraderie with Ishiba and Toyoda underscores his ongoing commitment to fostering strong U.S.-Japan economic relations. As discussions around global trade, supply chain resilience, and economic partnerships evolve, the role of Japanese companies in the U.S. economy will likely continue to grow. For Trump, these investments are more than just economic transactions—they are a testament to his broader vision of America as a hub for global business and innovation.