“You’re not allowed to break that — that mirror’s 400 years old,” Trump remarked, drawing nervous laughter from those in the room. Moments later, he added, “A camera just hit the mirror — I just moved it and a camera hit the mirror,” underscoring his concern over the fragile artifact.
The incident occurred during a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the Cabinet Room, where the two leaders were formalising a key agreement on critical minerals and rare earths — sectors viewed as strategically vital as Washington works to reduce its dependence on China.
Deeper cooperation
The accord, which Trump said had been under negotiation for about five months, is intended to strengthen supply chains and foster joint investment in mining and processing technologies.
“It’s good timing that we got it done just in time for the visit,” the president said, calling the deal “full steam ahead,” with only “minor clarifications” remaining.
The agreement marks a new chapter in US-Australia collaboration, with both nations emphasising shared interests in resource security and defence.
Trump also addressed the Aukus security pact — involving Australia, the UK, and the US — describing it as a strategic deterrent against potential regional threats but noting, “We’re not going to need it.”
Shared Priorities: Defence, trade, & technology
During the talks, the leaders discussed a range of issues including defence cooperation, trade, and military equipment orders.
Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding domestic access to rare earth elements, saying, “In about a year from now, we’ll have so much critical minerals and rare earths that you won’t know what to do with them.”
As the meeting concluded, Trump praised Albanese for his leadership and partnership, calling Australia “a steadfast ally and a remarkable friend.”
The two leaders’ seating arrangement — side by side, unlike previous visits by Argentina’s Javier Milei and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky — reflected a tone of camaraderie amid the formal diplomacy and a brief, unexpected brush with history in the form of a centuries-old mirror.