7am What Trump’s no-show means for AUKUS
Jun 19, 2025
Paul Bongiorno, a seasoned columnist at The Saturday Paper, delves into the fallout from Donald Trump skipping a pivotal G7 meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Bongiorno analyzes the implications for US-Australia relations and the precarious nature of international agreements like AUKUS. He also discusses how Trump's absence could reshape geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding Australia's sovereignty and its balancing act between its ally the US and economic ties with China amid regional tensions.
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Fragile Australia-US Relations
- Trump's no-show at the G7 summit highlights the fragility of Australia's alliance with the US.
- The abrupt cancellation underscored strains in personal and diplomatic relations between Albanese and Trump.
Trump's Contradictory Middle East Stance
- Trump's stance on the Israel-Iran conflict is contradictory and escalatory.
- He supports Israel's actions but raises stakes by demanding Iran's unconditional surrender.
Engage Trump for National Interest
- Albanese should prioritize national interest over politics to engage directly with Trump.
- Securing face-to-face meetings can yield critical successes like trade deals and strategic agreements.