Overview

• Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the U.S.–Australia defense relationship is closer than with any other country ahead of next week’s Washington meeting.
• A United States Studies Centre poll found only 16% think Trump’s second term has been good for Australia, yet just 17% want to end the alliance and 47% say Australia needs it more than ever.
• Large majorities expressed unease about the United States, with 73% worried about the future of its democracy and 82% concerned about potential political violence.
• Canberra does not expect the Pentagon’s AUKUS review to be completed before the visit, while 40% of respondents think Trump will probably cancel AUKUS and only 16% are confident he will keep it.
• Marles reported “only positive words” on AUKUS from JD Vance, Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth in August meetings, and ministers are working to secure a critical minerals arrangement before the Trump sit-down, according to The Age.