Foreign Minister Winston Peters has arrived in Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes diplomatic visit, meeting key members of the Trump administration, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As New Zealand faces growing uncertainty over U.S. trade policies and shifting global alliances, Peters is taking a measured approach—listening first before making any firm decisions.
“Eyes Wide Open” Approach to the Trump Administration
Speaking on The Mike Hosking Breakfast before his meeting with Rubio, Peters made it clear that New Zealand’s strategy is one of careful observation and engagement. “We’re approaching the Trump administration with our eyes wide open,” he said. “Prepared to listen, hear them out, hear their side of the story, and make sure that we get a chance to accurately present our side as well.”
Peters’ visit comes at a time of significant global upheaval. The U.S. has entered a trade war with key allies, including Canada, and has hinted at imposing tariffs on a wide range of goods, potentially impacting New Zealand’s steel and aluminium exports, valued at $65.5 million annually. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has adjusted its stance on foreign conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza, signalling a shift in U.S. global engagement.
Meeting with Marco Rubio
A key moment in the visit is Peters’ meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whom he described as an experienced and capable figure in U.S. politics. “I’ve been observing his career for quite a considerable time. I think he’s come an awful long way… very experienced, very talented,” Peters said.
The agenda for the meeting is expected to include regional security, trade policy, and New Zealand’s role in the Indo-Pacific. Peters emphasised New Zealand’s significance to the U.S. in the Pacific, calling it a “very, very important member” with a longstanding record on democracy, freedom, and security—values that align with American interests.
Beyond Rubio, Peters is also engaging with National Security Advisor Mike Walsh and USAID Administrator Peter Marico – crucial discussions for ensuring that New Zealand remains on Washington’s radar as the Trump administration reshapes its international priorities.
Trade and Economic Concerns Loom Large
While diplomacy is at the forefront of Peters’ visit, trade remains a pressing concern. With the Trump administration’s unpredictable approach to tariffs, there is growing anxiety about potential impacts on New Zealand exports. However, Peters has urged patience, echoing advice from former Trump administration official Chris Liddell, who recently suggested that New Zealand should “keep its head down” amid the uncertainty.
“That’s been my precise advice to the administration in New Zealand from the word go—keep our head down, wait till the dust settles before we make any decisions,” Peters said. He emphasised that New Zealand has spent more than a year preparing for a potential Trump return, ensuring that key diplomatic connections were in place well before the U.S. elections in November.
Despite concerns, Peters remains confident in New Zealand’s ability to maintain strong trade relations, noting its good trade history with the U.S. and suggesting that New Zealand’s reputation as a reliable economic partner will be central to discussions.
New Zealand’s Role in Regional Security
Security cooperation is also a major topic, particularly in the Pacific, where U.S.-China tensions have escalated. Asked whether the U.S. sees the Pacific as a priority, Peters was direct: “I believe it’s on their radar, and if it’s not in a major way, then it needs to be.”
Peters also addressed questions about whether New Zealand would discuss intelligence-sharing alliances such as Five Eyes or its role in AUKUS. While he did not give specifics, he noted that discussions on security matters have been ongoing since 2021.
No Direct Meeting with Trump
While Peters is meeting with several senior Trump administration officials, there is no scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump himself. Instead, the focus remains on discussions with Rubio and other high-level figures.
When asked what would define a successful visit, Peters avoided making sweeping claims. “This is a stage-by-stage, build-by-build” process, he said, emphasising the importance of laying groundwork for future discussions. “We’re a small country but an important one, and to say that at the end of the week, we’ve had successful discussions will be enough, providing we’ve got a commitment to take those discussions forward in a seriously meaning way both with respect trade and with respect to security,” Peters told Mike Hosking.