Australians' Trust in US Hits Record Low

Summary

A Lowy Institute poll reveals record low Australian trust in the US and President Trump, with a majority now viewing China as more important. Despite this, support for the US alliance remains high. The research fellow discusses Australians' pragmatic view of China as both economic partner and security threat, along with broad leadership confidence declines and economic pessimism linked to China trade reliance.

• 51% of Australians now see China as more important than the US.
• Confidence in President Trump has plunged to record lows, yet 73% still value the US alliance.
• Australians overwhelmingly disapprove of Trump's tariff policies and Greenland threats.
• 60% see China as likely to pose a military threat in 20 years, but a similar share views it as an economic partner.
• Confidence in world leaders including Australia's PM and Xi Jinping has fallen.
• 6 in 10 Australians are pessimistic about the economy over five years due to China trade reliance.
• Poll taken during US-Iran conflict; eight in ten disapproved of Trump's handling of the Iran campaign.