The world watched with bated breath as the results of the 2024 US presidential election trickled in, and it soon became clear that Donald Trump was on the cusp of a historic return to the White House. For Australia, a steadfast ally of the United States, the prospect of a second Trump presidency has elicited a mix of reactions from across the political spectrum.
Conservatives Rally Behind Trump’s Assertiveness
Several prominent Australian conservatives were quick to congratulate Trump on his likely victory, praising his self-belief and assertiveness on the global stage. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott took to Twitter, declaring that “self-belief is what the West needs right now, and Trump has that in spades.”
Donald Trump, who is unlike any other politician you will ever come across … I think what he brings now is an assertiveness and a strength to the role, which I think will have a very positive impact on global security issues.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Morrison, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, also expressed confidence that Trump would be a positive force for global security. He argued that Trump’s unique approach could lead to fresh perspectives on long-standing challenges, from the war in Ukraine to tensions in the Middle East.
Labor Government Faces Tough Questions
For the current Labor government led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump’s imminent return presents a more complex picture. While Albanese released a statement congratulating Trump and emphasizing the enduring strength of the Australia-US alliance, his administration now faces tough questions about the future of key foreign policy initiatives.
One immediate concern is the fate of the Aukus military pact, which involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines from the United States. Despite assurances from Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles that the agreement is secure regardless of the election outcome, some progressive voices within the Labor party are calling for Australia to withdraw from the pact, arguing that aligning with a Trump-led US is “dangerous, expensive, and counter to the interests of the Australian people.”
Climate Change Cooperation in Doubt
Another area of potential friction is climate change policy. The Albanese government has made combating global warming a key priority, working closely with the Biden administration to advance ambitious emissions reduction targets. With Trump back in the White House, there are fears that this cooperation could be severely undermined.
Will the dynamics of [climate negotiations] be different depending on who’s president? Of course they will. But does the rest of the world just walk away if the United States president is Donald Trump? No.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen
Bowen has sought to downplay these concerns, noting that individual US states, private sector actors, and the international community can still make progress on climate action even without the federal government’s full backing. Nonetheless, the prospect of a US president openly hostile to global climate efforts is sure to complicate Australia’s own ambitious agenda.
Navigating an Uncertain Future
As Australians come to terms with the reality of a second Trump presidency, policymakers in Canberra are grappling with a range of thorny questions. Will the United States remain a reliable partner in confronting an increasingly assertive China? Can the global community hold the line against Russian aggression in Ukraine without unequivocal American leadership? And how can Australia balance its economic interests with the urgent need for bold action on climate change?
Ultimately, Australia will need to chart a careful course through these unsettled waters, reaffirming its commitment to key alliances and values while also adapting to a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. As one senior government official put it, “We’ve navigated challenging times in the alliance before, and we’ll do it again. The Australia-US partnership is bigger than any one president or prime minister.”
For now, all eyes are on Washington, where Donald Trump is poised to reclaim the mantle of leadership in a deeply divided nation. As the world braces for the impact of his second term, Australia and its allies will be watching closely, ready to grapple with whatever challenges and opportunities the next four years may bring.
