When Arthur Sinodinos arrived in Washington as Australia’s ambassador to the United States in 2020, he was told the best way to get things done with Donald Trump was to go straight to the person in the White House handling the issue.

In many cases, that wasn’t a typical official – it was a business figure, a loyalist, or even a family member.

As Trump 2.0 takes shape, his administration is doubling down on an “America First” agenda, with key roles for long-time allies, Republican operatives and influential business figures. According to Sinodinos, Trump sees himself as having “unfettered power” to enact it.

Today, Arthur Sinodinos on negotiating with a Trump administration and Australia’s place in an “America First” world.

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Guest: Former ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos.

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When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office on Friday, they were there to sign a deal that would give the US access to a significant share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.

Instead, Trump and Vance berated and taunted Zelensky, before asking him to leave.

The deal remained unsigned, and relations between the two countries are now in tatters, with military and aid support for Ukraine from the Trump administration in doubt.

Meanwhile, Russian officials are working on their own set of deals with Trump.

Today, associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University David Szakonyi, on what Vladimir Putin is offering Trump, and the figures behind the Russian deal.

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Guest: Associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University David Szakonyi

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Warmer waters, disease and antibiotics have pushed Tasmania’s salmon farms into crisis.

But it’s not just an environmental disaster – it’s also a political one.

With an election looming, the Albanese government is pouring millions into salmon farming in an attempt to save jobs and votes, even as rotting fish litter the shore.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on what is happening in Tasmanian waters – and how it will impact the upcoming election.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

Photo: Bob Brown Foundation

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In Melbourne-based author Sean Wilson’s new book, You Must Remember This, he tackles the complicated, tragic, and often fraught subject of dementia. On this episode of Read This Sean joins host Michael Williams for a conversation about loss, family, and how to hang on to one’s humanity as illness strips it away.

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It was just before Christmas when Geraldine Brooks sat down for the first in a series of conversations with Anthony Albanese – and his popularity was plummeting.

The prime minister's net approval rating had dropped to minus 17, while Peter Dutton’s had ticked up to zero. Since then, the polls haven’t improved for Albanese.

His critics have painted him as weak and ineffective – a narrative reinforced by the failure of the Voice referendum and a perception of inaction on climate change.

This portrayal is in stark contrast to his background as a passionate activist, who was once arrested at an anti-logging protest.

Today, author and contributor to The Monthly Geraldine Brooks on the public’s perception of Anthony Albanese – and, win or lose, what will be his legacy.

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Guest: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and contributor to The Monthly, Geraldine Brooks.

Background reading: Safe as houses?

Photo: Ben Clement

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When the country’s peak arts body, Creative Australia, decided to dump Australia’s representative at the Venice Biennale, it set in motion an existential crisis for the arts.

The artist in question, Khaled Sabsabi, was removed from the role just days after his appointment – following an article in a News Corp newspaper, a set of opposition questions in the Senate and a phone call from the Arts Minister Tony Burke.

Now, the boss of Creative Australia faces questions about why he decided to drop Sabasabi – and whether there was ministerial interference.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow, on the controversy at Creative Australia, and what it means for artistic freedom.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow

Photo: Creative Australia

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It was 2020 when the government first discovered that a glitch in its system was wrongfully cutting welfare recipients off from their payments.

Rather than fixing the error, the department did nothing for three years.

In that time, ten people died. Whether their deaths were the result of suicide or destitution after losing support, Services Australia won’t say.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton with his exclusive story about the ministers who failed to act on behalf of the vulnerable – and instead protected the interests of private companies.

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

Photo: Credit: AAP Image / Darren England

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The results in the latest Closing the Gap report are grim.

Only five of the 19 targets are on track, and Indigenous incarceration rates are rising. But is the policy itself part of the problem?

Critics like independent senator Lidia Thorpe argue that Closing the Gap hasn’t delivered change and should be scrapped.

Meanwhile, the government has announced hundreds of millions in new spending, including major investments in remote communities and initiatives to reduce grocery prices in the Northern Territory.

Today, Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy on whether Closing the Gap is still working.

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Guest: Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy.

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