Trump confirms plans to meet with Anthony Albanese
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The news: US President Donald Trump told an ABC journalist he was “hurting Australia” and said he would raise the issue with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who he said was “coming over to see me very soon,” during a clash at the White House.
The context: Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House as he left for a state visit to the UK on Tuesday, but did not give a date or further details around a meeting with Albanese.
Albanese is due to travel to New York for the UN General Assembly next week.
Trump has not met for a face-to-face meeting with Albanese since either leader came into power, although they have spoken by phone. Albanese’s failure to secure a meeting with the US leader has been repeatedly criticised by the opposition.
The two leaders were scheduled to speak at the G7 Summit in June, however Trump left the summit early ahead of the US’ bombing of Iranian nuclear sites.
Trump is currently pressuring Australia to commit 3.5% of GDP to its defence budget, adding around $30 billion to its current spend annually.
The ABC also reported that Trump took to the opportunity to lash out at the broadcaster’s America’s editor, John Lyons, telling him “you’re hurting Australia…And they want to get along with me. You know, your leader is coming over to see me very soon. I'm going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone," the president said.
Lyons had asked Trump several questions about his business dealings as president, and said: "Is it appropriate, President Trump, that a president in office should be engaged in so much business activity?”
