President Trump Praises Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at Tokyo Business Leaders Dinner, Citing Success in Calming Global Financial Markets
TOKYO — President Donald Trump offered high praise for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a high-profile dinner with Japan’s top corporate executives on Tuesday evening, calling him a steadying hand in financial markets and a key architect of U.S. economic stability in recent months.
Speaking at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo before a ballroom of more than 300 business leaders, Trump took the opportunity to highlight Bessent’s economic leadership as the United States continues to navigate shifting global trade dynamics and a volatile investment climate.
“Scott Bessent, you’re doing a great job,” Trump said to applause. “How good is he on television? He soothes the markets — I don't soothe the markets; I sometimes disturb the markets.” The President, known for his straightforward style, joked that Bessent “cleans up” after the bouts of volatility his public remarks occasionally generate.
Bessent’s Influence on Market Stability
Trump’s lighthearted comments underscored a deeper truth recognized in both Washington and Wall Street: Treasury Secretary Bessent has emerged as a central figure in maintaining investor confidence amid global uncertainty. A former hedge fund manager and seasoned market strategist, Bessent was appointed Treasury Secretary earlier this year and quickly gained a reputation for disciplined financial management.
Since taking office, Bessent has worked to promote a stable U.S. dollar policy, reassure investors about the nation’s debt trajectory, and strengthen cross-border capital flows through diplomacy and targeted reforms. Analysts credit his low-key but effective communication style with helping temper market jitters during periods of geopolitical tension.
Financial observers in both New York and Tokyo note that Bessent’s background in private investment has made him uniquely adept at understanding the psychology of markets. His steady tone contrasts with Trump’s more unpredictable rhetoric, a dynamic that the President himself seemed to embrace during the dinner.
Expanding U.S.-Japan Economic Ties
The event in Tokyo came on the first full day of Trump’s state visit to Japan, part of a broader Asia trip focused on expanding trade and investment ties. The dinner was co-hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and attended by chief executives from major firms across the technology, automotive, and financial sectors.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who accompanied the President, announced during the gathering that Japanese companies are pledging a massive $490 billion in new investments in the United States over the next several years. According to officials, the commitments span a wide range of industries — from next-generation semiconductors and electric vehicles to renewable energy and artificial intelligence partnerships.
“One company alone is committing $100 billion,” Lutnick told the crowd, underscoring the scale of interest among Japanese firms. “These investments reflect trust in American innovation, faith in our workforce, and confidence in the strength of the U.S. economy under President Trump’s leadership.”
Japan’s New Prime Minister Strengthens Alliances
Trump’s Tokyo visit also marked his first meeting with Japan’s recently inaugurated prime minister, who has moved swiftly to reinforce Japan’s economic and defense cooperation with the United States. The two leaders spent several hours in private discussions earlier in the day, focusing on supply chain resilience, energy security, and joint efforts to counter regional economic coercion.
White House officials described the talks as “substantive and forward-looking,” with both governments pledging to accelerate major joint investment initiatives. Among these is a new bilateral infrastructure fund designed to facilitate private investment in next-generation transportation and clean energy projects across the Indo-Pacific region.
“The strategic partnership between the United States and Japan has never been stronger,” Trump said in his toast at the dinner. “Together, we are building prosperity for our people and stability for our region.”
Historical Context of U.S.-Japan Economic Partnership
The deepening of U.S.-Japan economic ties comes decades after the trade frictions of the 1980s, when disputes over automobiles, semiconductors, and currency dominated bilateral relations. Since then, the two nations have evolved from competitors to collaborators, particularly in high-tech industries and financial markets.
Over the last 20 years, Japan has become one of the largest foreign investors in the United States, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributing to technological innovation in sectors ranging from robotics to biotechnology. Likewise, American companies have expanded their presence in Japan, benefiting from its advanced manufacturing ecosystem and high consumer standards.
The new wave of investment commitments announced in Tokyo signals both nations’ intent to deepen this mutual dependence in an era of growing global fragmentation. It also reflects Japan’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economic partnerships while ensuring continued access to the American market.
Economic Repercussions and Market Response
Financial markets reacted favorably to reports of the investment pledges and the tenor of the Tokyo meetings. The yen strengthened slightly in early Wednesday trading, while U.S. futures showed modest gains, buoyed by optimism about corporate capital flows. Investors viewed the developments as a positive sign that Washington and Tokyo remain aligned on maintaining open trade frameworks despite global protectionist pressures.
Economists also noted that the scale of Japanese investment commitments — nearly half a trillion dollars — underscores Japan’s confidence in the durability of U.S. growth. Many of the projects announced are expected to be distributed across multiple states, providing significant job creation in regions involved in manufacturing, logistics, and energy infrastructure.
For Bessent, the influx of foreign capital represents a validation of his Treasury policies, which have aimed to balance fiscal restraint with pro-growth initiatives. By strengthening financial ties with key allies, he continues to support what Treasury officials describe as “sustainable economic rebalancing” — ensuring that both domestic and foreign investment remain productive and resilient.
Trump’s Broader Asia Itinerary
Earlier in the day, President Trump addressed U.S. troops stationed in Japan, expressing gratitude for their service and reaffirming America’s defense commitments under the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. At the Yokota Air Base outside Tokyo, he thanked service members for being “the front line of freedom in the Indo-Pacific.”
The Tokyo leg is part of a broader regional trip that includes stops in South Korea and the Philippines, where the President is expected to focus on strengthening defense cooperation and expanding energy partnerships. White House aides say the trip is intended to communicate that the United States remains firmly committed to leadership in the Pacific region, even as it encourages allies to take greater initiative in their own defense and economic development.
Japanese Business Community Reaction
The tone of the Tokyo dinner was one of enthusiasm and reassurance. Attendees described the atmosphere as both celebratory and pragmatic, with Japanese executives eager to seize new opportunities in the U.S. market while navigating uncertainties in global supply chains.
“The United States remains our most trusted economic partner,” said the CEO of a major Japanese manufacturing firm after the event. “The policies of this administration, especially the stability conveyed by Mr. Bessent, give us confidence to expand our presence there.”
Others noted that Japan’s willingness to commit substantial funds reflects not only strong bilateral relations but also the growing importance of diversifying away from markets experiencing political or economic turbulence.
Looking Ahead
President Trump’s praise of his Treasury Secretary in such a prominent international setting signals Bessent’s continued rise as a defining voice in global finance. With upcoming negotiations on digital trade, foreign exchange coordination, and energy investments on the agenda, both men are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping economic policy for the remainder of the administration.
As Trump put it during his concluding remarks, “When the United States and Japan stand together, we set the standard for prosperity, innovation, and peace.”
The dinner ended with a standing ovation, a gesture that reflected not only respect for the visiting American delegation but also the shared confidence between two of the world’s largest economies. For the business elite gathered in Tokyo, the message was unmistakable — the U.S.-Japan alliance is not just enduring but expanding into a new era of strategic and economic partnership.