Politics Now Albanese heads home with a Trump card
Oct 21, 2025
Prime Minister Albanese and President Trump met, striking a deal on critical minerals that boosts Australia's mining prospects. The discussion heated up when former PM Rudd's awkward interaction with Trump raised eyebrows. Amid reassurances on defence spending and the AUKUS deal, the hosts analyzed the significance of media optics and the meeting's political fallout. They evaluated the coalition's criticism and how Albanese's success could reshape Labor's image, emphasizing a narrative of effectiveness.
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Tone Over Tension
- Tone and optics mattered more than confrontation in the Albanese–Trump meeting.
- Patricia Karvelas and Raf Epstein say a positive vibe delivered diplomatic value beyond policy specifics.
Kevin Rudd’s Awkward Oval Moment
- Kevin Rudd sat awkwardly with his back to journalists and briefly became the focus of a viral exchange.
- Trump told Rudd “I don't like you and I don't think I ever will,” then later reconciled on camera.
Spending Pressure Eased
- Trump publicly downplayed pressure on Australia to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP.
- That public reassurance reduced an immediate political vulnerability for Anthony Albanese.