During a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Albanese, Donald Trump had a tense exchange after learning he was sitting near Australia's ambassador, Kevin Rudd, who had previously called him a 'village idiot.' The discussion focused on strengthening US-Australia cooperation on critical minerals amid China's increasing control over rare earth supply chains, with Trump threatening tariffs and export controls on China.
President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a landmark agreement focusing on critical mineral supply chains, defense investments, and technological cooperation, including over $3 billion in joint mineral projects, defense deals worth billions, and increased economic and space collaboration, strengthening the US-Australia alliance.
Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was shot by a rubber bullet while reporting live from a protest in Los Angeles, prompting condemnation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and calls for investigation into police conduct. The incident highlights concerns over media safety during protests and the use of crowd-control munitions.
An Australian magistrate has ruled that former US marine Daniel Duggan can be extradited to the US to face charges of breaking arms-control laws by training Chinese fighter pilots. Duggan, who denies the charges and claims they are politically motivated, has been in custody in Australia since 2022. The final decision on extradition now rests with the Australian attorney general, and Duggan's legal team plans to appeal.
