Donald Trump’s return to power is testing Australia’s decades-old reflex to stand with the United States.

When the US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, demanded Canberra nearly double its military spend, Anthony Albanese answered that Australia will decide its own defence policy – and has been vocal in his criticisms of Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium.

With public support for automatic alignment with the US fading, the prime minister is recalibrating the alliance in real time.

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno, on how Australia is no longer “all the way” with the USA.

 

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

Photo: PA/Alamy

Donald Trump&rsquo;s return to power is testing Australia&rsquo;s decades-old reflex to stand with the United States.
When the US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, demanded Canberra nearly double its military spend, Anthony Albanese answered that Australia will decide its own defence policy &ndash; and has been vocal in his criticisms of Trump&rsquo;s tariffs on steel and aluminium.
With public support for automatic alignment with the US fading, the prime minister is recalibrating the alliance in real time.
Today, columnist for&nbsp;The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno, on how Australia is no longer &ldquo;all the way&rdquo; with the USA.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.
Photo: PA/Alamy

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Albanese’s push-back against Trump

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/16fe1b3e-b618-4509-b729-b2f30067668f/transcript

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