Australia’s opposition is urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to urgently secure a meeting with US President Donald Trump, following news that the Trump administration is reviewing the AUKUS security pact.
The review casts doubt over the $368 billion plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines in partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom.
The Australian ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, is in Canberra as questions grow about the alliance’s future. The review has sparked speculation it could be linked to the Albanese government’s reluctance to increase defence spending and its recent criticism of Israeli ministers.
Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor warned the review “adds to a growing list of issues” straining the US-Australia relationship. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, however, sought to play down the concerns, describing the review as a “natural step” for any new administration.
The Trump administration’s “America First” doctrine is central to the review, with officials insisting all major defence projects must benefit US readiness and interests. This includes calls for Australia to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP.
Former PM Kevin Rudd, who has previously clashed with Trump, is under scrutiny for his role in the alliance, but the Albanese government has expressed full confidence in him. Labor credits him for much of the diplomatic groundwork on AUKUS.
Critics, including the Greens, argue the plan is “unravelling” and warn Australia risks wasting billions if the US walks away. Under AUKUS, Australia is set to receive three US-built submarines and build five more jointly designed vessels domestically.
