Anthony Albanese has shared a selfie with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
‘Always good to catch up with @POTUS. We spoke tonight on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly,’ Albanese wrote on X, Tuesday local time.
The meeting came after Trump used his UN General Assembly address to criticise efforts to regulate artificial intelligence.
The White House has also raised concerns about Australia’s proposed digital duty of care reforms and broader approach to online regulation.
Earlier on Tuesday, Albanese defended the government’s record on social media policy, saying he was ‘proud’ of the reforms Labor had pursued.
He also pointed to similar action overseas, noting the European Union had announced major changes alongside more than 20 countries pursuing online safety measures.
Social media users were quick to slam Albanese.
‘Australians are focused on what’s happening at home – the economy, inflation, border control and fuel prices,’ one wrote.
‘These are the issues affecting everyday Australians, not who you’re taking selfies with. With fuel prices this high, will you actually raise the issue with him face to face?’
‘Does he know who you are?’ another said.
A third added: ‘You are completely insane if you think this is a look that will win you votes.’
Anthony Albanese (right) met with Donald Trump (left) on the sidelines of the United Nations
The talks were the first face-to-face engagement between the two leaders since their White House meeting in October last year.
It is understood that the meeting was friendly between the pair.
It comes after Trump used his address to champion artificial intelligence, arguing the technology represented an opportunity rather than a threat.
‘The use of the word ‘artificial’ makes intelligence sound fake. It is not fake, it’s actually amazing,’ he told delegates.
He also rejected international efforts to impose global rules on the technology, such as the efforts of the Albanese government.
‘The United States also totally rejects any attempt to construct a globalist scheme to control the artificial intelligence being spoken of,’ he said.
Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong were in the General Assembly hall as Trump delivered his address to world leaders, setting out his views on artificial intelligence and other global challenges.
The Prime Minister is expected to outline Australia’s approach to artificial intelligence and social media regulation when he addresses the United Nations later this week.
Anthony Albanese (right) and Penny Wong (left) listening to Donald Trump’s speech
He will be recognised by the Atlantic Council, which is set to present him with a Global Citizen Award on Wednesday night local time, one of the final engagements of his New York visit before returning to Australia.
