Part 7/10:
Trump’s policies, particularly his demands that allies spend 3.5% of GDP on defense—more than Australia's current 2%—compound the challenges for diplomatic relations. As Trump continues to push for increased military spending, Albanese is strategically seeking to delay full-scale engagement until certain policy hurdles are cleared. McGorin also noted that Australian officials are considering side meetings at upcoming international forums as a workaround to these diplomatic obstacles.