Anthony Albanese is preparing for one of the most important diplomatic discussions of his career when he holds talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday, local time.
The prime minister will be trying to negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs.
But he faces an uphill battle to cut through with his message as Mr Trump stares down domestic unrest and renewed conflict in the Middle East.
Mr Albanese was unperturbed as he confirmed the much-anticipated meeting to reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time.
"Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement," he said.
"We'll have a discussion as two friends should."
Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of the AUKUS security pact, under which Australia is due to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US.
Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person.
Australia is facing 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America.
Supplies of critical minerals and access to the Australian market for US beef could be used as bargaining chips during the talks.
Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but he reiterated he would put forward Australia's interests.
"It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said.
Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two Israeli government ministers.
Australia has also pushed back against US calls to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, while Washington has launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with Mr Trump's "America first" agenda.
The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji and he is expected to leave for the G7 on Sunday.
He used an event involving US business and technology leaders to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" ahead of the tariff talks, hailing a $20 billion commitment from Amazon to expand its Australia data centre operations.
Mr Albanese is also expected to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders during the summit.
He landed in America on the same day a controversial military parade commemorating the US army's 250th birthday took place on the other side of the country, in Washington DC.
The event coincided with Mr Trump's 79th birthday and represents the first such military parade in more than three decades.
Millions of Americans across the nation gathered to protest the US president as part of "No Kings" rallies held in major cities, while hordes also attended the parade in support of armed forces.
Protest organisers accused Mr Trump of staging a "made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday" with the military parade, which falls on Flag Day - the date when the US flag was adopted by congress.
Tens of thousands marched to Seattle's towering Space Needle as they chanted, "no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA".
For Stephany Simonelli, who donned a fake crown with a cross and a sash that read "no kings", it was her first time taking part in a march or rally.
"This just felt absolutely imperative for democracy," she told AAP.
"I'm really afraid for our country. We, in America, really need to step up and take a stand."
8°C