US President Donald Trump has welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the White House, kicking off the first formal talks between the two leaders.

The prime minister went into the meeting hoping to gain assurances the United States would not sever ties with the AUKUS agreement, which would give Australia nuclear submarines.

The more than $300 billion trilateral agreement had been under review by the US Defense Department to ensure it aligned with the "America first" agenda of Mr Trump's administration.

Mr Albanese was also looking to ensure Australia received a carve out from tariffs imposed by Mr Trump on goods entering the US.

Australian officials have been laying the groundwork for a potential critical minerals deal with the US, which was hoped to be used as leverage in any tari

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