Albanese in New York: Will the PM finally meet Trump — and what if he doesn’t?

The Australian prime minister wasted no time after landing in New York. Following a long flight across the Pacific, Anthony Albanese stepped into the bustle of yellow cabs and the glittering skyline of the Big Apple.

Like so many leaders before him, he arrived determined to leave his mark — and immediately began outlining his foreign policy agenda.

Recognition of Palestine

Albanese’s first media announcement was significant: Australia would officially recognise the state of Palestine.

This move breaks with both the United States and Australia’s own tradition of bipartisan policy on the Middle East. It comes after:

• Widespread condemnation of Israel’s deadly offensive in Gaza

• Mass marches in Australian streets demanding action

• Assurances from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas could be removed from power

Australia now joins France, the UK, and Canada in extending recognition, with Albanese expecting up to 10 nations to follow suit during this UN General Assembly leaders’ week.

The aim is to push for peace, arguing that Palestinian statehood should be part of the pathway to a two-state solution, rather than something left until after.

But key questions remain unresolved:

• When will the Palestinian Authority hold elections?

• Can demilitarisation be enforced?

• How will Hamas be permanently excluded?

Israel, furious at the announcement, has threatened retaliation.

Will Trump meet Albanese?

Recognition of Palestine has not been welcomed by Donald Trump. The US president has long dismissed the UN’s effectiveness, and this move only sharpens differences.

Last week, during a fiery exchange with journalist John Lyons, Trump appeared to suggest he was preparing for his first meeting with Albanese during the PM’s US visit.

Yet, securing a face-to-face remains elusive. No meeting has been confirmed, raising the unusual prospect that Albanese could spend four days in New York — even attending events hosted by Trump — without a private conversation between the two leaders.

Given the close security ties between the US and Australia, and the growing military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, such a missed opportunity would be highly unusual.

A defining diplomatic moment

Later this week, Albanese will take the podium at the UN General Assembly — a major milestone for his leadership.

Unlike last year, when Foreign Minister Penny Wong represented Australia, both leaders are in New York this time, joining the swarm of global figures and media orbiting the week’s events.

In the lead-up to the trip, Kurt Campbell, former US deputy secretary of state and an Indo-Pacific specialist, visited Canberra to advise the government on how best to approach Trump.

Concerns for the Quad

Analysts worry about fractures in the Quad — the strategic grouping of the US, Australia, India, and Japan.

Tensions between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are raising doubts about whether a leaders’ meeting will even happen this year.

Beyond the absence itself, there is fear over the symbolism: is the Quad still unified in purpose?

Campbell expressed hope that Albanese could help bring Trump and Modi back to the table. Albanese, who flew to Quad talks in Tokyo just days after his 2022 election win, has long championed the grouping.

Expanding the agenda

While in the US, Albanese is set to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah II, a key Arab League leader. On his return journey, he will stop in the United Arab Emirates for trade talks with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and to push forward on a free trade agreement.

Albanese will also use the trip to build momentum for Australia’s newly announced 2035 climate target — a 62% cut to emissions compared with 2005 levels. He hopes this strengthens Australia’s bid to host COP31 in Adelaide, though Türkiye remains a rival contender.

Another key focus is child safety online. Australia is leading an international push to reduce the harms of social media on young people, with a series of events this week aimed at advancing those efforts.

Testing Australia’s influence

As Albanese began his four-day mission in New York, he was asked what he hoped to achieve.

“What we want to see is increased peace, security, and stability around the world. Australia plays an important role. We are a trusted partner, an ally,” he said.

The coming days will test just how influential Australia’s voice really is — on one of the most competitive and combative stages in global politics.