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Why it is better for Albanese and Trump to meet in October
24 September 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been in New York this week for the annual United Nations General Assembly. In his remarks to the assembly, he joined nine other countries in recognising Palestinian statehood at this time, saying, “In recognising Palestine, Australia recognises the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the Palestinian people. That means more than a seat, a voice and a vote in the councils of the world. It means real hope for a place they call home.”
Yet, one of the most highly anticipated aspects of his trip to the United States is not going to happen – a one-on-one meeting with President Trump. Instead, a White House Official announced today that they would meet in Washington on 20 October.
At USSC’s Sydney International Strategy Forum last week, the importance of an Albanese-Trump meeting was a recurring theme. Former Deputy Secretary of State Dr Kurt Campbell said the meeting would be the, “most consequential meeting of an American and an Australian in living memory.”
It is not clear why it is not happening on the sidelines of the UN, but with tensions around the recognition of Palestine, a bit of space may prove beneficial. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared the president’s frustration with the move, saying, “the president has been very clear he disagrees with this decision.”
While a leader-to-leader meeting is a very high priority, some may suggest that no meeting is better than a bad Oval Office meeting, as many world leaders have discovered this year. When they do meet, however, AUKUS and critical minerals are expected to be high priorities. Dr Campbell also urged Australia to use their influence to shape outcomes, especially in relation to the Quad, saying, “what I’m looking for from Australia is to recognise the pole position that they currently inhabit and to use that.”
The fact that a date is now set means Australia can channel their diplomatic efforts towards preparing for the meeting to ensure it can be as impactful as possible.
Mari Koeck
Director, Engagement and Impact
Lead photo: A White House Official announced today that Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese would meet in Washington on 20 October (Photo by Beata Zawrzel and Matt Jelonek for Getty images).
"I remain bullish as to why Australia and how Australia can navigate this disruption in partnership with our American ally."
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The Guardian | ‘Everything is on the table’: Trump meeting weighs heavily as Albanese heads to New York
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Russian disinformation and foreign influence campaigns have increasingly become defining features of today’s information landscape. Their reach extends beyond Ukraine, shaping debates around the globe including in the United States, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Please join us for expert remarks and a panel discussion featuring Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Vasyl Myroshnychenko, ex-career diplomat and strategic communications specialist, Natalia Solieva, and University of Sydney Senior Lecturer in Digital Cultures, Dr Olga Boichak. This discussion will be moderated by USSC Director of Strategic Technologies, Olivia Shen.
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University of Sydney NSW 2006