Albanese Secures Direct Contact with Trump Following APEC Meeting

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that he now has direct contact with U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with Sky News, Albanese revealed that they have established ‘contact arrangements’ and suggested that he possesses Trump’s phone number.

Albanese stated, “We are able to contact each other, and that’s a good thing that we’re in contact with each other.” When pressed for clarification on whether this meant he had Trump’s mobile number, he confirmed, “Yeah, we have contact arrangements between each other.” This announcement comes after months of scrutiny regarding Albanese’s relationship with Washington, particularly following the delay in their first formal meeting.

The Prime Minister’s previous campaign had seen him acknowledge he did not have Trump’s number, raising questions about their diplomatic rapport. Albanese’s first in-person meeting with Trump took place on October 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral relations.

Key Developments from the APEC Meeting

During their recent summit, which occurred at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, South Korea, the two leaders signed an $8.5 billion agreement focused on rare earth minerals. This deal is critical for the United States as it aims to reduce reliance on China for essential technology components. Both leaders appeared at ease, engaging in friendly dialogue and laughter, despite a moment of tension regarding comments made by Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd.

In 2020, Rudd referred to Trump as the “most destructive” president in U.S. history. Although he later deleted these comments, the relationship between Trump and Rudd remains strained. During the meeting, Trump queried about Rudd’s previous remarks, stating, “Did an ambassador say something bad? Where is he? Is he still working for you?” Rudd, in response, clarified that his remarks were made prior to his current role. Trump retorted, “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will.”

Despite this exchange, the overall atmosphere of the meeting was positive. Trump praised Albanese for his leadership on the recent critical minerals deal, describing it as a “fantastic job.” The two leaders shared a toast at an exclusive dinner, further indicating a warming relationship.

Future Implications

Albanese’s ability to communicate directly with Trump may shift the dynamics of U.S.-Australia relations, particularly as both countries navigate complex global challenges. The agreement on critical minerals is timely, given recent tensions with China over export regulations.

With both leaders appearing committed to enhancing their partnership, the implications of this direct communication could lead to more collaborative efforts on trade, security, and technology in the future. The developments at the APEC summit signal a potential turning point in how Australia and the United States engage on critical issues moving forward.