“Much was accomplished, but because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” she said on X.

“I always prep seriously for meetings where I’m representing Australia,” Albanese said.

“Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform late on Monday.

Questions over US tariffs on steel remain after UK carve-out

Albanese was also questioned about whether he could secure a similar exemption to the UK, which includes zero tariffs for its aerospace sector and reduced tariffs from 25 per cent to 10 per cent for its auto industry.

US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a deal on US tariffs on steel during a meeting at the G7 summit. Source: AP / Suzanne Plunkett

“The UK deal has other provisions with it as well, including provisions that are different in terms of Australia,” Albanese said.