Overview
- During the White House meeting, President Donald Trump told Ambassador Kevin Rudd, “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will,” after which Rudd apologised and Trump said “all is forgiven,” according to Albanese and attendees.
- Albanese affirmed Rudd will serve his four-year term and praised his work on Capitol Hill, crediting him with groundwork that helped secure the visit’s outcomes.
- Australia and the United States announced an $8.5 billion pipeline for critical minerals projects with a reported $3 billion in combined initial financing, including plans for a U.S.-backed gallium refinery in Western Australia to build non‑China supply chains.
- The leaders reaffirmed AUKUS, with Albanese and U.S. allies in Congress highlighting strong bipartisan backing even as officials acknowledged some remaining technical “ambiguities.”
- Domestic criticism of Rudd softened as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley walked back calls for his sacking and senior Liberals described the exchange as “theatre,” noting the minerals deal and continued cooperation were secured.