Trump-Albanese Meeting Remains Uncertain as Trade Tensions Mount Amid U.S. Economic Turbulence

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's potential meeting with President Donald Trump remains unconfirmed despite the Australian leader's arrival in North America, highlighting the unpredictable nature of diplomatic relations as trade tensions escalate and civil unrest spreads across American cities.

Stephen Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Economics at George Washington University, said Trump's approach to scheduling reflects his broader negotiating style.

"He likes to play with his prey before he eats them," Hamilton said in broadcast comments Friday. "Any other president, we would know whether a meeting was going to happen by now. But with Donald Trump, it's still not locked in."

The uncertainty comes as Australia faces potential 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum exports, up from the previous 25% rate, while the Trump administration implements a baseline 10% tariff on all imports regardless of country of origin.

Hamilton advised Australian officials to maintain firm positions despite trade pressure, arguing the economic impact would be manageable.

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