Trump ‘supportive’ of AUKUS after Australian | Australian Markets

US President Donald Trump has flagged his assist for AUKUS after the Australian authorities paid the US $798m as half of the deal.

Defence Minister Richard Marles travelled to the US to satisfy along with his US counterpart, Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth, partly to firm up a dedication from the new Trump administration for the advanced defence deal, which might see Australia purchase nuclear-powered submarines from the US.

Mr Hegseth mentioned President Trump supported AUKUS after the Albanese authorities delivered a $798m cost from a $4.78bn dedication to help the US with submarine manufacturing.

“The President is very aware, supportive of AUKUS, recognises the importance of the defence industrial base, which the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out the investment Australia is willing to make,” Mr Hegseth mentioned on the assembly.

“It enhances our ability in the subterranean space, but also our allies and partners.

“This is not a mission, in the Indo-Pacific, that America can undertake by itself.

“It has to be robust allies and partners. Technology sharing and subs are a huge part of it.

“So he’s aware and appreciative for his support and leadership on that topic.”

He mentioned the US hoped to ship Australia’s first nuclear submarine on time, with Mr Trump “committed” to “cutting red tape”, investing in defence and standing by allies.

“I think that’s something that was missing in the last four years, that President Trump demonstrated – you’re going to have no worse enemy, and no better ally,” Mr Hegseth mentioned

“And that’s what he’s charged me with at the Defense Department, is when we make these strategic partnerships and we invest in them, and there’s skin in the game, as the Deputy Prime Minister pointed out, we’re going to do everything possible we can to help deliver on that.”

Mr Marles mentioned he had a “very warm meeting” with Mr Hegseth.

“It is really clear that there is a focus on our region, our part of the world, in terms of the way in which America sees itself, in terms of expressing its leadership,” Mr Marles instructed Sky Information.

“As part of this we talked about AUKUS and how fundamentally important it is in the contemporary expression of our alliance.

“AUKUS is playing a really important role, not only in terms of building Australian capability, building Australian capability in the provision of a long range nuclear powered submarine capability, but also building American force posture on the Australian continent, and this is a very important statement for our region.”

US Congressman and co-chair of the Pals of Australia Caucus Joe Courtney earlier mentioned the cost “strengthened the ties of our two nations and the AUKUS agreement, ensuring the mission will endure and the US submarine industrial base can meet the demands of the security agreement”.

“At every step of the way Australia has demonstrated AUKUS is a true partnership that the US benefits from as much as our partners and allies in the region,” Mr Courtney mentioned.

“I look forward to working with my counterparts on the Seapower Subcommittee to ensure this new investment is expeditiously made available to expand the supply chain, skill-up a talented workforce, and advance manufacturing technology.”

Mr Marles had burdened on the time of President Trump’s inauguration that AUKUS was “happening now”.

“We are continuing to build and invest in an Australian submarine industrial base capable of supporting our future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and underpinning a strong local economy over the coming decades,” Mr Marles mentioned.

“This new AUKUS agreement now in effect will further bolster the strong continued progress the Australian government is making with AUKUS partners to deliver Australia this vital capability.”

Mr Marles mentioned he seemed “forward to reaffirming Australia’s commitment to the Alliance” forward of his assembly within the US, the place he was set to additionally meet with members of the US congress and different senior Administration officers.

Mr Marles and Mr Hegseth had been additionally set to attend the Arlington Nationwide Cemetery to honour American service members and their households with a wreath.