Full Story Newsroom edition: Albanese prepares to meet Trump, SXSW Live
Oct 16, 2025
Lenore Taylor, Editor of Guardian Australia with extensive political journalism experience, and Mike Ticher, Head of the Guardian Australia newsroom, delve into the upcoming meeting between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump. They explore Australians' concerns about Trump's potential return, the transactional nature of Trump that complicates diplomatic strategies, and the domestic political risks if the meeting goes awry. They also discuss Australia's critical minerals as a bargaining chip and the broader implications of American authoritarianism on Australian politics.
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Public Concern Vs Diplomatic Necessity
- Australians view Trump's second term as harmful and worry about American democracy's future.
- That public concern clashes with Canberra's continued desire for a close US relationship, creating a diplomatic dilemma.
Diplomacy As Transaction
- Trump treats relations as transactions rather than friendships, which complicates traditional diplomatic preparations.
- Albanese must shift from relationship-building to transactional bargaining ahead of the Washington meeting.
Personal Fear Watching US Unfold
- Miles Herbert describes watching arrests and disappearances in the US from afar as