Overview
- Paul Keating said he gave Anthony Albanese a “heap of fighting points” before the Trump meeting in case the talks turned nasty.
- The notes were not needed, with the encounter described as cordial and Trump calling Albanese a “friend” despite a brief awkward moment over Kevin Rudd’s past criticisms.
- Albanese’s visit concluded with a multibillion-dollar critical minerals agreement designed to secure supply as China withholds exports and key processing technology.
- Albanese invited President Trump to visit Australia, and reports say it remains unclear whether he will accept.
- Keating characterized Trump as a “power guy” and likened his approach to a “mafia family model,” while asserting that China has “won hands down” in its rivalry with the United States.