Trump's check cashing — Japan's $550 billion investment agreement officially launched

The new Japanese government fulfills its promises, and the check redemption plan announced by Trump is officially underway. In mid-month, Trump declared via social media that the massive trade agreement reached between the U.S. and Japan has entered the implementation phase. This not only marks an extension of Trump’s political ambitions but also reflects a raw reality in today’s international power dynamics—strong nations threaten to set the rules with tariffs, while weaker ones are forced to pay the price.

“Voluntary Choice” Under Tariff Threats—Japan’s Investment Check Redemption Mechanism

According to Trump’s statement, Japan’s committed $550 billion in investments in the U.S. has officially started, with the first funds already in place. This amount accounts for about 12% of Japan’s GDP and will be phased in fully by January 2029. On the surface, this appears to be a win-win trade deal; in reality, the check’s redemption is under clear time pressure—if Japan fails to provide the funds within 45 days, tariffs will jump from 15% to 25%.

In other words, Japan’s “voluntary investment” is actually a passive choice made under the threat of Trump’s tariff stick. This leverage-based negotiation method has long been standard in Trump’s negotiation manual. In fact, according to Trump, countries worldwide have collectively committed to $9 trillion in U.S. investments under similar tariff threats. South Korea pledged $350 billion, but due to slow approval processes, Trump has already increased tariffs on Korean goods—an obvious warning shot.

Compared to this, Japan’s swift response has made it a “good example” set by Trump. But this example comes at a huge cost. While Japanese politicians like Sanae Takaichi engage in close interactions with Trump to show good relations, the reality of check redemption has already arrived—regardless of political posturing, the money must be paid, and a large sum at that.

Political Calculations Behind the Three Major Projects—How Check Redemption Serves U.S. Domestic Politics

Trump personally selected three investment projects, not randomly but as part of a strategic political layout. The first is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Texas, aimed at expanding U.S. energy exports and strengthening America’s dominance in the global energy market. The second is a natural gas power plant in Ohio, which Trump calls “the largest plant in history.” Why Ohio? Because it’s Trump’s political stronghold—the state has voted for him in all three elections. In this power game, the supporter’s check is always the first to be cashed.

The third project involves a key mineral processing facility in Georgia, focusing on rare earth extraction and refining. Analysts point out that this plant will directly challenge China’s approximately 90% monopoly on rare earth processing. Trump claims this will “end America’s foolish dependence on foreign resources.” Ironically, ending one dependency often comes at the cost of deeper entanglement—this time, Japan bears that cost.

From these project choices, it’s clear that the check’s redemption is essentially a political maneuver. All these projects greatly benefit the Republican base—energy industry, manufacturing jobs, strategic resource security—core issues Trump’s supporters care about. In other words, Trump is using Japan’s money to buy political support, a direct fusion of international investment deals and U.S. domestic politics.

The Global Watch and the Domino Effect—Chain Reactions Triggered by Check Redemption

After Trump announced significant progress, his supporters cheered. After all, this massive investment means jobs, business profits, and tangible economic benefits. More importantly, it’s the first real investment commitment since Trump took office, with Japan taking the lead as the first case of check redemption.

But is Japan truly willing? The Takaichi government remained silent after Trump’s announcement. That silence itself speaks volumes—some things can only be accepted silently, not publicly justified. Japan has in fact agreed to all terms, yet Trump publicly disclosed the details, putting Japan in an awkward position: unable to deny the check’s reality, yet unable to explain to domestic public opinion why such huge concessions were necessary.

A deeper issue is that Japan’s check redemption has deeply entangled it in U.S. domestic turmoil. How will the Democrats view Trump using Japan’s money to bolster the Republican base? If Democrats come to power in the next election, what will happen to these projects? Japan now faces not only economic burdens—about 12% of GDP is a heavy figure—but also increased geopolitical risks. History repeats itself: countries trying to buy security and friendship with money often end up losing both their funds and their freedom of choice.

In this moment of global power reshuffling, countries are watching how Trump fulfills his promises, and also observing the results of Japan’s check redemption. Will the funds arrive on time? Will the projects proceed as planned? These outcomes will determine whether other nations follow suit. In the course of international politics, the speed and manner of check fulfillment often decide the next round of negotiations and rules. Japan is ahead, but also bears all the risks.