Australian PM Albanese Meets US President Trump at White House Amid Aukus Review

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a high‑stakes Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington — their first substantive in‑person sit‑down since Trump returned to the White House — amid tense global dynamics and keen media interest. The visit requires a delicate balance: demonstrating strong US‑Australia ties while keeping domestic audiences reassured, given low Australian approval of Trump. Central topics were AUKUS and its future, trade and tariff concerns, and a potential critical minerals deal to reduce US reliance on China’s supply chain. The White House signalled a warm tone and stressed the need for allies to counter Chinese economic coercion, while a Pentagon review of AUKUS remains under way though US officials say withdrawal is not on the table. Canberra is expected to press for AUKUS assurances, tariff exemptions and US support to develop Australia’s critical‑minerals processing as an inducement and strategic hedge. Details and any announcements will become clear after the leaders’ talks and later briefings to Australian audiences.