The Daily Aus Albanese's first meeting with Trump
9 snips
Oct 21, 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally met U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant moment after months of delays. They discussed a landmark $13 billion critical minerals deal aimed at boosting Australia’s resource exports. The conversation also touched on the AUKUS submarine program, with Trump assuring continued support. Tensions flared when Trump had a memorable exchange with Kevin Rudd, raising eyebrows among reporters. Despite some unresolved trade issues, reactions back home suggest the meeting was a diplomatic success.
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Long Wait Before Formal Meeting
- Nearly a year passed between Trump's re‑election and the formal White House sit‑down with Albanese, despite phone calls and a UN sideline meeting.
- Global tensions, trade actions, and domestic elections raised the stakes for finally holding the formal meeting.
Delays Sparked Political Scrutiny
- Delays to the White House meeting sparked domestic political fallout and questions about alliance stability.
- The cancellations were attributed to scheduling and global events, but opponents used them to criticise the government's handling.
Critical Minerals Deal Shifts Supply Chains
- Australia and the US signed a landmark critical minerals and rare earths framework to speed priority projects and expand processing capacity.
- The deal links Australia's resource supply with US investment to reduce reliance on China's dominance in processing.