Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on 20 October.

A repost from 18 October 2025

Thus far, Albanese has dealt with this administration with equanimity, declining to rush the gate for a meeting. This is no bad thing. It is best to avoid projecting neediness to Trump.

Australians will be thinking about the immediate results of the visit. We should also reflect on the nature of our alliance relationship.

The media will focus principally on “deliverables” and the theatre which surrounds Trump meetings.

The supply of critical minerals from Australia to the US will be raised. Albanese and Trump have discussed this on the phone. The topic will be live in the wake of further Chinese limitations on the export of critical minerals and rare earths and Trump’s suggested imposition of an additional 100% tariff on China.

US tariffs on Australia will feature. But our problems here compared with those of many of our friends are slight.

The AUKUS deal should remain on track. On 30 September, the usually reliable Japanese online publication Nikkei Asia reported sources claiming AUKUS was “safe” and the vibes coming out of Canberra are positive.

The Americans may be looking for understandings on deployment of AUKUS submarines were the Americans to be involved in hostilities, or about Australia agreeing to certain levels of defence expenditure. However, Albanese has already made clear that these are issues which Australia must decide.

Here are a few thoughts on broader questions about the alliance.

First, while Trump is basking in the at least partly merited glow of the Gaza deal, this remains a dreadful administration.

It is seeking to disassemble, enfeeble or make into........

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