First lady has maintainted public silence over $350m White House ballroom but reportedly ‘raised concerns’ in private and denied responsibility for the project

President Donald Trump left for Asia late on Oct. 24, as the U.S. government shutdown continues and with the president seeking to resolve a trade war.

Trump last visited Japan during his first presidency in June 2019, when he attended the Group of 20 summit in Osaka. He came to Japan three times during that term, when he developed a close relationship with late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

President Trump on Friday will travel to Asia for his first visit to the region since returning to the White House. The visit comes as the government shutdown hit Day 24 with no end in sight.

Trump's Asia tour focuses on strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea amid regional tensions. Key meetings planned with allies on trade and security cooperation.

President Trump plans to attend a summit in Malaysia before meeting the new Japanese prime minister in Tokyo and talking to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Korea.

In yet another bold display of strength and unmatched dealmaking ability, President Donald J. Trump kicked off his historic Asia tour with a powerhouse

U.S. President Donald Trump met Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo on Tuesday (October 28) for talks on trade and security, praising her elevation as the country's first female leader and her pledge to accelerate a military buildup.