US President Donald Trump has announced that discussions are underway concerning a potential trade deal with Australia. This revelation came during a recent address at the White House, where Trump responded to inquiries from 9News US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley regarding Australian government communications.
Australia is one of many nations affected by the 10 per cent tariffs imposed by the US on April 2, a move Trump dubbed “Liberation Day.” The imposition of these tariffs has drawn criticism from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who remarked that levying tariffs is not a gesture of friendship or allyship. Albanese mentioned that despite Australia’s attempts to establish contact, Trump had not yet responded to their outreach.
In his follow-up, Trump confirmed that he would indeed be communicating with Albanese, stating, “They are calling and I will be talking to him. Yes.” However, he did not specify whether their conversation would occur before or after the upcoming federal election in Australia. White House officials suggested that the timing of the election would not impede any discussions between the two leaders.
Trump’s remarks coincided with the milestone of his first 100 days in office during his second term. Nevertheless, recent polls indicate a decline in public approval for Trump, with only about 40% of Americans expressing satisfaction with his presidency. His approval ratings regarding economic management and trade are reportedly even lower, highlighting the challenges he faces in garnering support as he navigates both domestic and international issues.