The opposition has criticised Albanese for taking until October to meet Trump for bilateral talks despite the president being inaugurated in January, but others have questioned the rush.
World leaders have had a mixed reception at the White House, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was berated during his first visit before a more positive return, and Ramaphosa, who was confronted with unfounded claims of a genocide of Afrikaner farmers. More conservative leaders such as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni have had friendly meetings.
From left: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a disastrous meeting in the Oval Office in February.Credit: Bloomberg
When news broke last month that Albanese had finally secured a meeting, foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott wrote that while essential and overdue, the bilateral was still laden with risk.
Trump could put Albanese in an awkward spot by firing up over issues ranging from recognition of Palestine, to climate change, tariffs and mass migration.
Anger over Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, defence spending and social media regulations could provide other potential flare-ups, he says.
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