Australians’ trust in the United States has reached a two-decade low following Donald Trump’s recent re-election. According to a recent survey conducted by the Lowy Institute, most Australians are not happy about Trump’s policies. They are particularly harsh on his foreign relations and tariff policies. From March 6–20, the online survey captured survey responses from 2,117 American adults. It reflects an increasing skepticism about the US-Australian alliance, even as international tensions are mounting.
These results are in line with Trump’s announcement on March 1st 2018 of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports. These “Liberation Day” tariffs were not yet announced at the time of our survey. The damage to public sentiment has already been done by opinion on his earlier tariff gambits. Alarmingly, 81% of respondents disagree with Trump on tariffs. Many in Congress envision it as a blunt, ineffective tool to strong-arm other countries into submission.
Discontent with Trump’s Policies
The survey’s findings starkly illustrate the chasm in Australian public opinion about Trump’s presidency. Secondly, a shocking 89% of those surveyed rejected Trump’s bizarre wish to purchase Greenland. This rejection points to deeper issues with regard to his administration’s foreign policy gambles.
Now as the Trump administration doubles down on targeting tariffs and sorting out trade relations, our friends down under are starting to see the effects first-hand. That’s why Trump’s tariff decisions are having such a huge impact on our current race for federal election campaign. Even though the president has cause for concern regarding his policies, his deal-making is sending political shockwaves domestically and internationally.
Mr. Neelam, an analyst at the Lowy Institute, stated, “Given President Donald Trump’s norm-shattering approach to his second term, it’s no surprise that Australians are less trusting of the United States.” He pointed out that the current backlash in US perception is directly related to Trump’s troublesome policies and actions.
Leadership Preferences Emerge
The survey explored opinions on who might be better suited to manage Australia’s relationship with the United States under Trump’s leadership. Results showed that 34% of respondents backed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to be Australia’s next President. 35% said they would rather support opposition leader Peter Dutton. 30% of those surveyed remained undecided.
Mr. Neelam noted, > “It is theoretical at this stage for the opposition leader, so he has a task to prove what his credentials would be.” Such a statement further emphasizes the extent of Dutton’s task to position himself as a credible alternative for government, particularly on matters of foreign policy.
So far, despite these strong preferences, most Australians seem to understand that the US-Australian alliance really is vital. About four in five respondents think this strategic partnership is “very important” or “fairly important” to Australia’s national security.
Regional Tensions Influence Perceptions
A lot of Australians are quite distressed about what Trump is doing. At the same time, their security fears have multiplied as Chinese warships conduct operations near their coast. This precarious new reality has greatly complicated U.S. foreign relations. Today, Australian leaders find themselves under even greater strain to steer their small nation through dangerous geopolitical waters.
Mr. Neelam pointed out, > “Alliances are built on trust, and we can see that the effect of Trump’s first several months in office has been a sharp decline in how Australians view their security ally.” He added that, > “Australians continue to show that they still separate the unpredictability of the White House from the role the alliance plays in our security.”
Australians have a more sophisticated and balanced view of their relationship with the United States. They are wary of Trump, but they overall appreciate the deepening cooperation between the two countries.
The changing geopolitical situation and the lack of clarity on what US policies will look like under Trump only adds to Australian sentiments toward the US at this time. As leaders prepare for upcoming elections, they will need to address these concerns while reassuring the public about the importance of maintaining strong international alliances.
