Is the ‘deal’ with the US actually a good deal? October 24, 2025

·1 hr 20 min·5 clips

Scott Phillips reveals the Trump-Albanese meeting went a dozen times better than anyone could have supposed.

The episode opens with the hosts' weekly banter before diving into the main topic: the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Scott Phillips expresses surprise that the meeting went far better than expected, avoiding potential confrontations over issues like tariffs or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The discussion then turns to the diplomatic optics, critiquing opposition leader Susan Lay's criticism of ambassador Kevin Rudd and debating whether former politicians are the right 'tools' for such sensitive roles. A significant portion is dedicated to dissecting the announced $8.5 billion joint investment in rare earths mining. Andrew Page argues this deal is a taxpayer-subsidized bailout that primarily benefits private shareholders like Gina Rinehart, while providing questionable strategic value. The hosts also scrutinize a line in the US communique claiming Australian super funds will invest $1.44 trillion in American assets by 2035, questioning its validity and the precedent of political interference. The conversation broadens to a debate on workplace flexibility and government regulation, with Andrew Page sharing a personal anecdote about running a cafe to illustrate the unintended consequences of rigid labor laws. The episode concludes with a brief positive note on Chemist Warehouse's 17% sales growth before wrapping up.

As heard by us

A praised US deal gets a sharper look when alignment carries trade risk.

Motley Fool Money treats the upbeat language around a US deal with useful skepticism, asking whether a headline agreement can be politically convenient while still leaving investors with real trade-offs.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want to know whether the US deal is genuinely good, or just useful because it keeps Trump on side.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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