

Has the PM looked 'weak' on Trump?
Feb 21, 2025
Tom Crowley, an insightful ABC journalist known for his sharp political analysis, delves into pressing issues of the week. He discusses the implications of Donald Trump's comments on Ukraine and how Australia's PM, Anthony Albanese, has approached these tensions. The conversation also covers the Reserve Bank's rate cut, Clive Palmer's new political party, and the complex balance Australia faces with China, especially amid military exercises in the region. A riveting exploration of politics in a changing world!
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Albanese's Dilemma on Trump's Ukraine Stance
- Anthony Albanese faces challenges in directly confronting the Trump administration's stance on Ukraine, particularly given ongoing trade negotiations.
- This cautious approach, contrasted with Peter Dutton's stronger condemnation, can be perceived as weakness by voters.
Trump's Impact on the Rules-Based Order
- Donald Trump's shift in stance on Ukraine rewrites the rules of the international order and challenges traditional alliances.
- This makes it difficult for political leaders to maintain consistent positions in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Shifting Industrial Policy
- The government's intervention in the Whyalla steelworks reflects a shift in both parties' approaches to industrial policy.
- Both Labor and the Coalition are adopting more interventionist stances, diverging from traditional economic principles.