The Deputy Prime Minister of Australia has stated the country’s willingness to collaborate with the United States, irrespective of the outcome of the presidential election. This comes amidst speculation regarding the future of US-Australia relations following comments made by former Republican President and presidential candidate Donald Trump, who labeled Australia’s US Ambassador, Kevin Rudd, as “a little bit nasty” and suggested his tenure might be brief. Before his appointment in Washington, Rudd had described Trump as “the most destructive president in history.” With polls indicating a potential second term for Trump and the conclusion of President Joe Biden’s tenure in November, there are concerns that Rudd’s role as ambassador may jeopardize the partnership and crucial agreements between the US and Australia.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to maintain a strong relationship with the United States, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. Speaking on ABC Insiders, Marles highlighted the Australian government’s history of bipartisan cooperation with the US, noting its effective collaboration with the current Biden administration and its readiness to work with any future administration.
Despite concerns regarding former President Donald Trump’s potential return to office and its impact on international agreements, particularly the AUKUS trilateral security pact among the US, the UK, and Australia, Marles reassured that there’s no basis to fear a change in support for such alliances under a Trump administration. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan support in the US for international deals, citing the legislative progress made in December on the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program as a testament to successful diplomatic efforts, notably attributed to Ambassador Kevin Rudd’s ability to navigate the political landscape across party lines in the US.
Marles’s comments underscore the Australian government’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening its alliance with the US, based on strategic interests and mutual support, irrespective of the changing political dynamics in either country.
