Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles expressed confidence on Wednesday that a re-elected Donald Trump would support the AUKUS security alliance and the associated nuclear submarine sales after recent discussions with Trump’s camp. Marles’ comments come as U.S. allies globally are preparing for potential shifts in diplomatic policies with the possibility of Trump’s victory in the November presidential election.
The AUKUS deal, valued at A$368 billion ($243 billion), aims to bolster Australia’s naval capabilities with nuclear-powered submarines to deter China in the Pacific. This agreement includes the sale of three to five U.S. Virginia Class submarines in the 2030s, a period when the U.S. submarine fleet is projected to be at a historic low. Concerns have arisen that Trump’s “America First” stance might align with Congressional voices advocating for these submarines to be reserved for the U.S. Navy instead.
Despite these concerns, Marles indicated that conversations with Trump’s representatives have reassured Australia that the deal would be honored if Trump were to win the presidency again. In an interview with Sky News, Marles stated, “Every engagement we’ve had with the Trump camp in the normal process of speaking with people on both sides of politics in America, there is support for what is playing out in relation to AUKUS.”
Marles further added, “We do have a sense of confidence, irrespective of what occurs in November of this year, we can firstly look forward to the alliance being as strong as ever and secondly that the equities that we have in that alliance, AUKUS front and center, will be maintained.”
He also highlighted the passage of AUKUS legislation last December, noting that it received support from Republicans, including those associated with Trump. This bipartisan backing reinforces Australia’s belief in the continuity and strength of the AUKUS alliance regardless of the upcoming U.S. election outcome.
($1 = 1.5168 Australian dollars)
