Donald Trump met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today to discuss US-Australia relations related to Australia’s critical mineral sector.
09:07 ET, 21 Oct 2025Updated 12:53 ET, 21 Oct 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump sat down with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump sat down with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today to examine US-Australia relations concerning Australia’s vital mineral resources.
The two world leaders conducted discussions in the White House Cabinet, focusing on strengthening the U.S.’s dedication to Australia’s essential minerals, as China continues to escalate its dominance over the global supply chain. Albanese also addressed nuclear submarines, commerce, and Indo-Pacific security with Trump.
Trump momentarily found himself in a playful exchange with himself, a journalist and Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. as he fielded questions, before blasting the ambassador with a savage 9-word reply.
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The uncomfortable moment was triggered by an Australian journalist, who questioned Trump. “Have you have any concerns with this administration with its stance on Palestine, climate change, or even things the ambassador has said about you in the past, the Australian ambassador?”
The two world leaders conducted discussions in the White House Cabinet(Image: Getty Images)
Trump responds, turning to Albanese, saying “where is he is he still working for you?” in reference to Rudd.
Albanese then says the ambassador is “right there,” pointing out Rudd who is sitting right across from the two leaders.
Trump then continues, saying to Rudd : “You said bad?” Rudd then responds, saying “before I took this position Mr. President.” Trump then ends the interaction cheekily saying, “I don’t like you either. And I probably never will.”
Australia’s essential minerals supply Australia possesses extensive mineral deposits essential for renewable energy technology and defense equipment. A commercial agreement with Australia is becoming increasingly feasible, given China’s near-complete control over the global rare earth processing supply chain.
Critical minerals serve as the foundation for numerous technological products including batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and military armaments.
The uncomfortable moment was triggered by an Australian journalist
Australia extracts almost half of the world’s lithium and approximately a quarter of global bauxite, alongside substantial quantities of cobalt, manganese, and a category of essential minerals known as rare earths.
In recent weeks China has escalated in solidifying its position as the major rare earth minerals power.
The BBC reports that last week, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce release “announcement No 62. Of 2025,” a document announcing new restrictions on its rare earth exports, stating that foreign companies now need the Chinese government’s approvals to export products that complain even small amounts of rare earths. Additionally, they must declare their intended use.
In response, Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, and export controls on specific software.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also weighed in.
“This is China versus the world. They have pointed a bazooka at the supply chains and the industrial base of the entire free world, and we’re not going to have it,” said Bessent.
Fox News halted live coverage of the meeting when Trump scolded a cameraman in a furious outburst.