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Key Points
- Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese signed a significant rare earth minerals deal.
- The pair’s meeting appeared to be very warm, referring to each other as “friends”.
- There was an awkward moment with Australia’s US ambassador Kevin Rudd.
In a recent development, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted a significant economic partnership between the United States and Australia. This collaboration is set to generate a substantial US$8.5 billion (equivalent to A$13 billion) pipeline of projects. A key aspect of this initiative involves American investments in Australia, specifically targeting the processing of critical minerals essential for manufacturing processes.
This agreement, initially announced in 2021 during President Biden’s administration, has been undergoing a thorough review by the United States. Despite this scrutiny, former President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in the progression of the plan. He noted that the project is “moving along rapidly” and that only a few “minor details” remain to be resolved, reassuring that Australia will indeed receive the submarines as part of the deal.
During discussions, Trump also touched on trade relations, noting, “Australia pays very low tariffs, very, very low tariffs. In fact, Australia pays among the lowest tariffs,” underscoring the favorable trade terms between the two nations.
In a lighter moment, Trump initially turned to Albanese to inquire about specific details shared in their meeting, but then decided against it, saying, “Don’t tell me.” This exchange reflects the informal yet productive nature of their discussions.
The deal, announced in 2021 under the Biden administration, has been under review by the US.
But Trump said the plan was “moving along rapidly” and there were only “minor details” to be worked out, assuring Australia was “getting” the submarines.
Trump doesn’t budge on Australian tariffs
“Australia pays very low tariffs, very, very low tariffs. In fact, Australia pays among the lowest tariffs,” Trump said.
Tense moment with US ambassador Kevin Rudd
Trump turned to ask Albanese what had been said, before changing his mind, saying: “Don’t tell me.”
After the meeting concluded, Rudd was overheard apologising to Trump off-camera, with the US president reportedly replying “all is forgiven”.
Trump praises PM as ‘my friend’
Asked to compare Albanese to previous prime ministers Scott Morrison and Malcolm Turnbull, who were more politically aligned, Trump said it “wouldn’t be fair”.
