Trump’s Return: What It Means for AUKUS and Australia

Sydney, NSW – With Donald Trump back in the White House, questions have arisen about the future of the AUKUS deal, a multibillion-dollar agreement that would see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. Despite initial concerns, experts believe the deal will remain intact.

Charles Edel, Australia chair at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, reassures that Trump is likely to support AUKUS. “AUKUS looks like a deal Trump should be able to get behind. Not only is Australia investing in the United States, but this is a classic example of allies doing more for themselves and alongside the United States,” Edel explained on ABC’s Insiders program.

AUKUS was a key topic in the first conversation between Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the US election. Under the deal, the US will sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia starting in the early 2030s, with new submarines to be built subsequently.

Health Minister Mark Butler emphasized that Trump’s election does not signal a shift in Australia’s commitment to net-zero emissions, despite Trump’s stance on the Paris climate agreement. “It won’t stop the global investment shift towards net zero technology,” Butler told Sky News.

Butler also noted that Trump’s victory highlights voters’ demand for governments to prioritize cost-of-living issues. “Households want their governments focused on them and doing everything they responsibly can to help,” he said.

The relationship between Australia and the US is expected to endure, regardless of who is in the White House. However, Butler warned that Trump’s plans to impose tariffs could indirectly impact Australia’s economy by slowing global growth and increasing inflationary pressures.

Opposition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar pointed out that Australia’s cost-of-living crisis is more severe than that in the US, urging the government to focus on domestic issues. “The US election result sends a strong message to this government. This government has been very distracted,” Sukkar said.

As the political landscape shifts, Australians are encouraged to stay informed and engaged. Tune in to 90.1 NBC FM for the latest updates on how these developments will affect our nation.