‘Passive and lethargic': Albanese settles for 'senior officials' after Trump snub despite cold shouldering JD Vance months ago

Sky News AU

20 hours ago

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's US approach has been slated as "passive and lethargic" after he was forced to settle for senior Trump administration officials after his meeting with the US President was scrapped on Wednesday, despite having the opportunity to speak with Vice President JD Vance last month.
The Albanese government was blindsided by the announcement Trump would be leaving the G7 summit early to return to Washington amid escalating Middle East tensions.
Mr Albanese instead spoke with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
It came just a month after Mr Albanese refused to meet with Vice President JD Vance during his visit in Rome for the Pope's inauguration.
Shadow home affairs minister Andrew Hastie told SkyNews.com.au the US was Australia's closest ally and said it was concerning the Prime Minister had made 'little effort' to meet with the President, especially with 'so much at stake' such as AUKUS and trade tariffs.
'The Prime Minister's approach has been passive and lethargic towards the relationship,' he said.
'This is the wrong approach towards President Trump, who values a personal connection more than formal diplomatic channels.'
Mr Hastie said Australia's relationship with the US should be much stronger but had instead become 'marginalised' due to Mr Albanese's 'poor advocacy'.
In May, Mr Albanese said he did not meet with US Vice President JD Vance who arrived "quite late" to the mass, and hinted he would meet with Trump in due course.
But when asked why he did not meet with Vance, the Prime Minister insisted he would only meet with the commander in chief, not his sidearm.
'I'm the Prime Minister, I meet the President of the United States, and that will occur at an appropriate time," Mr Albanese told journalists in May.
On the sidelines of the G7 in Canada, Australia's Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd also attended the discussions, after having organised the since-cancelled Trump meeting.
Mr Albanese said President Trump had not contacted him since the cancelled meeting, adding that he had spoken with 'key advisors to the president'.
'The President has been engaged, obviously, with the circumstances around Iran and Israel. It's perfectly understandable the decision that he made,' he told reporters.
Mr Albanese added that other meetings, including with Ukraine President Zelensky and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were also cancelled.
'We have agreed through our American friends that we'll reschedule the meeting (with President Trump),' Mr Albanese said.
'Well, we'll meet soon, and I'm sure that that will occur. You know, from time to time, meetings are rescheduled. That's what happens.'