Push for Albanese to invite Trump to Australia ahead of summit
Concerns grow that Anthony Albanese has not moved fast enough to develop a connection with Donald Trump amid renewed speculation over Kevin Rudd’s role as ambassador.
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Former ambassador to the US Joe Hockey says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton should consider offering Donald Trump a state visit to Australia.
The development comes amid growing concerns that Mr Albanese has not moved fast enough to develop a connection with the incoming US president-elect, The Australian reported.
The PM has pointed to a Quad leaders meeting that could be months away for his possible first face-to-face meeting with Mr Trump.
Meanwhile, Kevin Rudd’s position as Australian ambassador to the US has been in question over his past criticisms of Mr Trump.
Asked about Mr Rudd’s future as ambassador, The Australian reported, Ms Bishop initially said the question was unfair.
She added: “We haven’t seen what occurs post-transition. It is still president-elect Trump. The inauguration is on the 20th of January so watch this space.”
TRUMP DUMMY CENTRE STAGE AT REHEARSAL
A dress rehearsal for Donald Trump’s impending inauguration has been held with members of the military enacting key roles at a mock service in Washington DC.
Mr Trump, 78, is about to take on his second term as president, after claiming victory in the US election over Kamala Harris in November.
A week out from the historic events, preparations are in full swing for the Republican’s official swearing.
The military representatives donned large name tags around their necks as they rehearsed the inauguration program outside the US Capitol building.
Master Sergeant Matthew Nall played the role of the President-elect, while Gunnery Sergeant Cecilia Koslowsky was Melania Trump.
Incoming vice president JD Vance and his partner Usha were played by Nate Buuram and Christine Lightner.
Outgoing President Joe Biden and his wife were also represented.
Photographs show the stand-ins walking down the iconic US Capitol steps and MSgt Nall pretending to swear an oath. He was seen holding up his right hand and placing his left on a bible.
He then proceeded to give a speech to the mostly-empty surrounds, which is expected to last more than 15 minutes on the day. Mr Trump’s inauguration speech from 2017 lasted about 17 minutes.
The stand-in for JD Vance also went through the motions of being sworn in as the 50th Vice President.
Four large US flags were lowered in the background of where Mr Trump will take office again and a marching band was seen at the front of the rehearsal.
The actual inauguration will take place on January 20, with the guest list featuring former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton, as well as UK Reform leader Nigel Farage and Elon Musk.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Australia’s Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd have confirmed they would be attending.
US officials are operating in a “heightened threat environment” following the New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans and the Cybertruck bombed in Los Angeles.
About 7800 soldiers are expected to be in attendance for security, as well as thousands of federal agents, police and other law enforcement officials.
Mr Trump’s inauguration comes after he avoided punishment in his sentencing for the hush-money court case on Friday (early Saturday AEDT).
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