Full Story Arthur Sinodinos on how Albanese can tackle Trump
Oct 19, 2025
Arthur Sinodinos, former Australian ambassador to the US, shares insights on how Prime Minister Albanese can engage with President Trump. He describes Trump’s charm and dominance in private settings, suggesting strategies to build rapport through common interests and personal connections. Sinodinos emphasizes the importance of offering cooperation in recent Middle East efforts and even considering troop contributions. He also discusses the critical need for clarity on the AUKUS alliance and future-proofing Australia’s defense strategy in this pivotal meeting.
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Trump Off-Camera Behavior
- Arthur Sinodinos says Donald Trump is the same off-camera and loves to dominate the room during credential presentations.
- He was charming in their meeting and primed to be cordial when meeting dignitaries.
Go Confidently And Leave Judgments Out
- Go into the White House confident and without moralising about the president's style.
- Focus on mutual interests and build a personal rapport to get the best out of the meeting.
Build Rapport Through Shared Interests
- Find common ground by researching the president's interests and known associates to build rapport.
- Use gifts or symbols that resonate and contextualise offers within current global events.