Can you believe it? A staggering disconnect between Australians and the values of Trump’s America! A recent poll reveals that fewer than 10% of Australians feel that our nation aligns with the foundational values promoted by the United States under President Donald Trump. This is not just a minor issue; it's a significant insight into the changing perceptions of Australia’s relationship with the US.
In fact, over half of the respondents expressed the view that Trump’s election has had negative repercussions not only for Australia but also for the United States and the global community. Conducted by YouGov for the Australia Institute, the survey indicated that a mere 8% of Australians agreed strongly with Defence Minister Richard Marles, who stated earlier this year that Australia and the US share democratic values and respect for the rule of law. This figure is startling, suggesting a profound doubt regarding the essence of our supposed shared values with the current American administration.
The poll also highlighted concerns regarding national security. Nearly half of those surveyed (48%) felt that Australia is in a more precarious position now that Trump is in office, while only 13% believe we are safer. There were mixed opinions about the US as a trustworthy ally: 44% consider the US a reliable security partner, whereas 47% expressed skepticism about its dependability.
On the topic of international agreements, 46% of Australians believe that the AUKUS pact, a trilateral security agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US, enhances our safety. Interestingly, 41% think that this alliance serves Australia’s interests, but there is still a notable portion of the populace—over a quarter—who view the agreement unfavorably or feel uncertain about its implications. Despite the split feelings, a majority of respondents indicated they would support a parliamentary inquiry into the AUKUS deal to scrutinize its future impact.
Notably, neither Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, nor Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was instrumental in crafting the AUKUS agreement, yet it has maintained broad bipartisan support across all three nations. This adds a layer of complexity to the discourse surrounding international alliances in a turbulent political climate.
The survey further unveiled a critical perception: half of all Australians believe that Trump’s leadership has led the US to be less democratic, with an equal number stating they would feel unsafe visiting the country. Dr. Emma Shortis, director of international and security affairs at the Australia Institute, emphasized the seriousness of these sentiments. "Australians are genuinely alarmed by the current situation in the US—so much so that many would feel uncomfortable travelling there."
The narrative that Australia and the United States share common values is being questioned. The recent polling suggests that Australians have reservations about this perceived alignment under Trump’s administration.
This survey was carried out between October 27 and October 30, shortly after Prime Minister Albanese’s much-discussed meeting with Trump at the White House. While this meeting was largely viewed as a success, particularly compared to Trump's past interactions with other allies, it raises the question: Are we truly aligned with America's ideals, or are we merely clinging to an outdated narrative? The results of this poll signal an urgent need for dialogue and reflection regarding the nature of our international relationships as global dynamics evolve.
