Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces one of his most important tests of diplomacy today as he meets Donald Trump at the White House.

AUKUS submarines, critical minerals, and Australia’s place in Mr Trump’s foreign policy orbit are expected to on the Prime Minister agenda.

The submarine deal is of particular concern. Now under pressure from US production delays, Mr Albanese will press Mr Trump to keep the pact on track. Beyond defence, the two leaders are expected to cover intelligence, cyber security, and how to handle China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Economics and tariffs are also expected to be touched upon. Australia wants relief from Mr Trump’s sweeping tariffs and may offer up its rare earths as a way for the US to loosen its reliance on China. This tactic has already been floated by former deputy PM Kim Beazley, who told the ABC Mr Albanese had more aces up his sleeve than Australia realises.

It’s one of the few levers Mr Albanese can pull to make Washington listen.

The real challenge is whether Mr Albanese can cut through the noise as Mr Trump faces a litany of both internal and external to the US. With Mr Trump balancing relations with Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East, Mr Albanese’s plan will be to remind him that Australia is resource-rich and strategically vital ally that should not be ignored.

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