Australian PM Albanese Meets US President Trump to Discuss AUKUS, Critical Minerals, Tariffs

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in the US for a crucial meeting with President Donald Trump focused on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly around the AUKUS security pact and critical minerals supply. Discussions are expected to address tariffs on Australian goods and an agreement to bolster Australia's supply of critical minerals to the US amid concerns over China's dominance in this sector. Despite a US Defense Department review of the $300 billion trilateral AUKUS pact in line with Trump's 'America First' agenda, there is bipartisan support within the US government to maintain the agreement, which includes Australia's access to nuclear submarines. Former senior official Mike Pezzullo emphasized the need for Australia and the US to have a contingency plan should tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding China and Taiwan. Pezzullo also noted Trump's confidence in deterrence through military might but urged deeper confidential discussions on alternative plans. The meeting aims to consolidate the Australia-US relationship amid regional security challenges and economic cooperation.