G7 summit: Anthony Albanese meets with senior Donald Trump aides after meeting with US President falls through

Anthony Albanese has met with senior members of the Trump Administration after his crucial face-to-face meeting with the US President fell through.

While the Prime Minister had secured a meeting with Donald Trump for Tuesday afternoon (AEST), the US leader left the G7 Summit early to return to Washington following escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

As a result the meeting with Mr Albanese was cancelled, prompting concern and criticism from the Coalition.

However on Tuesday evening, Mr Albanese met with Mr Trump’s principle economic advisory and the National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, US trade representative Jamieson Greer and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Australia’s US Ambassador Kevin Rudd also attended the meeting, and the group discussed trade, tariffs, critical minerals and rare earths.

Following the announcement that Mr Albanese’s meeting with Mr Trump would not proceed, a government spokesperson said the cancellation was understandable “given what is occurring in the Middle East”.

“As the Prime Minister said a short time ago, we are very concerned about the events in the Middle East and continue to urge all parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy,” they said.

More to come...