New research has revealed that just 8% of Australians strongly agree that Australia “shares values” with Donald Trump’s United States.
Tue 4 Nov 2025 06.00
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New research has revealed that just 8% of Australians strongly agree that Australia “shares values” with Donald Trump’s United States.
The polling, commissioned by the Australia Institute, comes after Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in May said that Australia and the United States “share values” including “democracy and the rule of law”.
Dr Emma Shortis, Director of the Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program, said it was clear Australians do not agree with Mr Marles.
“Australians are often told that we “share values” with the United States,” Dr Shortis said.
“These numbers suggest that Australians are far from convinced that we share values with Donald Trump’s America.”
The research found that fewer than half of Australians think the AUKUS deal is in the country’s best interest or makes Australians safer.
Further, the research also revealed half of Australians think the US is less democratic under Trump, and half would feel unsafe traveling there.
“Only 16% of Australians believe that the United States is a “very reliable” security ally,” Dr Shortis said.
“Australia has promised to hand over $368 billion dollars in the belief that the United States will come through.
“The Australian people don’t appear to share that faith.”
Dr Shortis also highlighted that the Federal Government has failed to adequately explain the AUKUS agreement to the Australian people.
The research shows 37% of Australians now don’t know or aren’t sure if AUKUS makes Australia safer – an increase of 6% from previous polling in July.
“It is past time Australia rethinks national security – and focuses on fairness and climate action, not blind fealty to the America,” she said.
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