Trump, Australia’s Albanese Sign Rare Earths and AUKUS Deal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House in their first official meeting. The two leaders signed a major rare earths and critical minerals deal, alongside reaffirming commitments to the AUKUS submarine pact. Trump also addressed China, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Middle East tensions during the joint appearance.
U.S.-Australia Rare Earths Deal Quick Looks
- Trump and Albanese met at the White House for first official meeting
- Leaders signed a $8.5 billion critical minerals agreement
- $1 billion in joint funding to launch rare earths projects in 6 months
- Agreement includes cooperation with Japan on related projects
- Albanese was joined by Australia’s Minister for Resources
- Trump reaffirmed support for AUKUS submarine development
- Trump says U.S. will “take care of” Hamas amid Israel-Gaza ceasefire
- Trump claims he told Russia to stop attacking civilians in Ukraine
- Downplays China’s threat to Taiwan, saying “I don’t see that happening”
- Trump confirms plans to visit China early next year
Deep Look: Trump and Albanese Advance U.S.-Australia Ties With Rare Earths Pact
WASHINGTON (Oct. 20, 2025) — In a high-stakes summit at the White House, President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese solidified a strategic partnership by signing a landmark $8.5 billion rare earths and critical minerals agreement, alongside reinforcing commitments under the AUKUS submarine alliance.
This marks the leaders’ first formal meeting and signals a significant step forward in economic and defense collaboration between the two allies, particularly as both nations look to reduce dependency on China for key minerals and enhance Indo-Pacific security.
Rare Earths Deal: $1 Billion in Immediate Investment
Albanese provided more insight into the new deal, revealing that it includes:
- $8.5 billion pipeline of rare earths and mineral projects
- $1 billion in funding from both Australia and the U.S. over the next six months
- Collaboration with Japan on future development initiatives
“There’ll be projects that are immediately available,” Albanese said, emphasizing the urgency of supply chain diversification.
Rare earths — vital for advanced technologies such as electric vehicles, defense systems, and clean energy — have become a focal point in Western strategic planning amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Trump: “No Games With Australia”
In remarks alongside Albanese, Trump praised Australia as a steadfast ally:
“There’s some games with other countries, but there haven’t been games with Australia. We’ve been really an amazing ally, when you think of it, right?”
The U.S. president also made several international statements during the joint appearance, touching on China, Taiwan, Hamas, and Ukraine.
On China and Taiwan: “Not Going to Happen”
When asked about the potential for Chinese military action against Taiwan, Trump downplayed the threat:
“I don’t see that happening,” he said. “China doesn’t want to do that… The United States is the strongest military power in the world. It’s not even close.”
He also revealed that he had accepted an invitation to visit China early next year, although exact dates remain tentative.
On Ukraine: “Trying to Make a Deal”
Trump was asked whether he had urged Russia to stop attacking Ukrainian civilians:
“Yes, I did,” he said, before deflecting further questions about military aid.
He emphasized the complexity of the conflict, adding:
“It’s a little more complicated than that, but it sounds easy. We’re in the process of trying to make a deal. If we don’t, a lot of people are going to be paying a big price.”
The U.S. remains engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts to broker peace in the region while balancing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
On Hamas and Middle East Ceasefire
Trump briefly addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict, stating the U.S. was working to maintain the ceasefire and strongly warning:
“Hamas will be taken care of. If they’re not good, they’ll be eradicated.”
The comments come amid renewed concerns about instability in the region and the U.S. role in brokering lasting peace.
AUKUS and Submarine Development Still on Track
Alongside the rare earths deal, the Trump-Albanese summit reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to the AUKUS submarine pact, a trilateral security agreement between the U.S., U.K., and Australia aimed at countering China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia is set to acquire nuclear-powered submarines under the deal, which also includes technology sharing, cybersecurity cooperation, and artificial intelligence development.
Strategic, Economic Partnership Strengthened
This dual-track approach — deepening both economic and military ties — positions the U.S.-Australia relationship as a cornerstone of Western policy in the Pacific region. With tensions mounting globally and competition for mineral resources intensifying, the summit signals clear intent to shore up alliances and secure strategic supply chains.
“We’re committed to delivering outcomes that benefit both our countries and the global balance,” Albanese said.
The visit is expected to accelerate cooperation on not just minerals and submarines, but also climate, cybersecurity, and regional stability.
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