Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has claimed Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, is “patently ineffective” after President Donald Trump publicly blasted the ex-prime minister for making disparaging comments against him in the past.

Trump has frustrated Australia with his sweeping tariffs scheme, imposing an import tax of 10% on most of its goods - 50% for aluminium and steel - something seen as a breach of a decades-long free trade agreement. "This is not the act of a friend," Albanese said at the time.

President Donald Trump met with the prime minister of Australia. They signed an agreement on Australia's rare-earth minerals and discussed trade and the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a critical-minerals deal at the White House.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the AUKUS treaty, including Australia's purch

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived at the White House for vital talks with US President Donald Trump.

President Trump signed a critical-minerals deal with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Monday, as the U.S. seeks to reduce its dependence on China's rare-earth resources.