Hagerty Claims Trump Tried to Boost Japan Ties

AP Photo/Eric Gay
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at Shelby Park during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas.

WASHINGTON (Jiji Press) — Former U.S. President Donald Trump tried to strengthen Japan-U.S. ties while he was in office, a close ally told media organizations including Jiji Press on Thursday.

Trump has “always wanted it to get stronger,” said U.S. Sen. William Hagerty, who served as U.S. ambassador to Japan under Trump.

“We talked about how important the relationship with Japan was to him and is to him,” Hagerty said about a meeting with Trump last week.