Donald Trump has effectively ended months of speculation over the future of the $368-billion AUKUS submarine pact, pledging the United States will go "full steam ahead" with the deal during his first face-to-face meeting with Anthony Albanese.

As the Pentagon reviews the merits of the trilateral defence partnership between the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, the president publicly guaranteed Canberra would receive its promised fleet of nuclear-powered submarines in a significant win for the Albanese government.

When asked whether Australia could count on the submarines being built and delivered under his administration, Mr Trump replied: "Oh no, they're getting them."

"There shouldn't be any more clarifications because we're just going full steam ahead building," he said.

See Full Page