For President Donald Trump, his first state visit was from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, one of our oldest allies. Collectively, they negotiated a landmark agreement on rare earth minerals at the height of rising U.S.-China trade tensions. This meeting takes place as the Trump administration rocks and rolls through an incredibly tumultuous time. Last week, a three-judge panel from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an erroneous ruling that will permit a dangerous deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.
In their one-on-one meeting, Trump reiterated the value of their countries’ alliance in confronting challenges around the world. The historic rare earth minerals agreement deepens both countries’ supply chains. This action is responsive, particularly as they are being forced to respond to escalating competition from China. Trump stated, “We have a tremendous power, and that’s the power of tariff, and I think that China will come to the table and make a very fair deal.”
The meeting was not without its controversies. Trump’s administration has faced criticism over the deployment of troops to Portland, where protests have occurred against federal law enforcement actions. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield expressed his dismay at the court’s decision. He warned, “We are on a very perilous trajectory in America. He called for the full Ninth Circuit to act immediately. He teamed up with Judge Susan Graber in dissent to tell the majority that, contrary to their order, Portland is not burning.
“The majority’s order abdicates our judicial responsibility, permitting the President to invoke emergency authority in a situation far divorced from an enumerated emergency.” – Susan Graber
In Portland, organized opposition to the ruling has taken shape. Graber noted that for many observers, the portrayal of Portland as a war zone was utterly absurd. Importantly, he stressed the unique ways that local protesters express their discontent. The dissent targets the long-term ramifications of permitting such military deployments under what they describe as a ruse.
Trump’s statements about wars abroad have received particular scrutiny. Among other things, he raised doubts about Ukraine’s chances of regaining land they’d lost to Russia in the currently active war. “They could still win it. I don’t think they will,” he said, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of warfare. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are very sensitive even as the war goes on. Both countries are experiencing record losses in lives and treasure.
“They could still win it, but I don’t think they’re going to.” – Donald Trump
In light of this imperfect situation, discussions continue at the international level. Simultaneously, Trump’s administration has to deal with a complicated geopolitical scene and boiling domestic anger. The geo-political fallout from Washington’s foreign policy ambitions combined with increasing law enforcement difficulties at home presents a herculean challenge for his incoming administration.