Here to help, Mr President! Wong, Rudd launch Australia’s mission to Trump

Asked how the meeting went, and whether she was confident of a good working relationship going forward, Wong replied: “I think the meeting was a short discussion. Obviously, it went well, as can be seen by the fact that this invitation (to Trump’s inauguration) has been extended.”
“We’ve seen the AUKUS legislation shepherded through, we’ve seen this visit organised, we’ve seen the invitation to the inauguration for both me and also Ambassador Rudd. I think that speaks for itself,” she added of the relationship between the two countries.
The push to get in Trump’s good graces comes at a critical time for Australia, which is locked into a $365 billion military pact with the US in the form of the AUKUS submarine deal.
Among his many promises, Trump has vowed to impose trade tariffs of up to 60 per cent on imports, introduce deep tax cuts, significantly boost military spending and deport millions of immigrants from the US.
Australia was encouraged by Rubio’s comments at his Senate confirmation hearing last week, in which the China-hawk gave the strongest signal yet that US administration would continue to back AUKUS describing it as a blueprint for other partnerships to take on China.
“It’s one example of how we can leverage the power of these partnerships with allies … to reach outcomes and objectives, such as creating a geopolitical and strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” said the Florida Senator, who would become Wong’s counterpart if, as expected, his nomination is confirmed by Congress.
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Asked if Australia would seek to be exempt from tariff increases, Wong replied: “I’d make the point that in terms of US-Australia economic relationships, that America has had a trade surplus with US since the Truman presidency – so that’s a long time; I’d make the point that, in fact, that trade surplus is two to one in the US’ favour; and I’d also make the point that I think around half of our Australian exports to the US are inputs to US production.
“So it’s an economic relationship which is obviously a great mutual benefit.”
Wong and Rudd were initially one of 200,000-plus guests that were invited to watch Trump’s swearing in ceremony outside the US capitol, until the 78-year-old Republican moved the event indoors due to dangerously cold weather in Washington on Monday.
The ceremony will now take place in the Capitol rotunda, which only has capacity for 600 seated guests. It is not clear where the minister or the ambassador will view the event, along with others Australians attending, including mining magnate Gina Rinehart and businessman Anthony Pratt.
After the ceremony, Trump will have the traditional presidential “parade” at Capitol One Arena, where supporter have been invited to watch him the oath via a live stream, followed by a signing ceremony at the Oval Office and three inaugural balls. Wong plans to attend the Starlight ball, which is geared towards high-dollar donors.
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