Caroline Kennedy said the United States would continue its leader role in Pacific while affirming Australia’s position as its most trusted ally.
U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy has said Donald Trump’s second presidential term would not lead to the return of “America first isolationism.”
During her speech at the National Press Club of Australia on Nov. 18, Kennedy, whose term is about to conclude, addressed concerns about the relationship between the United States and Australia under the new Trump administration.
The ambassador was asked how Australia should prepare for “a world without America,” saying the United States would move toward American-first isolationism with Trump’s reelection.
Kennedy rejected the idea and said the country would continue to be a leader in the Pacific region.
“I don’t think it [the reelection] shows that America is not going to be present in this region at all,” she said.
“The United States is a Pacific nation, and what happens in this region is of vital national security, economic security, and energy security to us.
“There are countless examples of how we have the continuity of our foreign policy, especially in this region.”
While Kennedy acknowledged that policies would change, she said the new administration would uphold existing commitments with allies.
“As we’ve seen with the Quad, as we’ve seen with critical minerals, as we’ve seen really with AUKUS across the board, the United States has made commitments over many decades,” she said.
“And those are not going to change, and our national interest is not going to change.”
The ambassador also stressed that the United States needed friends and allies and was building strong relationships with Pacific countries.
Number 1 Ally: Ambassador
At the same time, Kennedy highlighted the importance of the relationship between the United States and Australia.
The ambassador said during her tenure, she was surprised that Australia did not always realise its position as the United States’ most trusted ally.
“Australia may be a middle power, but to the United States, you are number one. We have no more trusted or capable ally in every dimension of our relationship,” she said.
“I’ve seen the United States rely on Australian leadership and experience. Australia is no longer America’s deputy sheriff, or whatever the critics like to say.
“Australia is our partner and often our teacher, as the United States navigates a multi-polar world.”
Australia’s Defence Spending
Another reporter raised concerns about whether Australia had to increase its defence budget as Trump had hinted during his election campaign that U.S. allies should pay their “fair share” of defence bills.
“Australia should make its own decisions about how much it’s spending,” Kennedy said.
While Australia’s defence spending was projected to rise, the U.S. ambassador said it was not because of Trump.
“That’s because of the changing geo-strategic forces in this region, and your leaders all describe it as the most dangerous time since the Second World War. Japan is doubling its defence budget,” she said.
“I think that most people are in agreement with President Trump that Australia is also contributing to the U.S. industrial base, in helping us accelerate the production of Virginia class submarines, as well as investing in your own defence industrial base and standing up AUKUS and transforming the workforce here.”
Tariff Issues
In response to a question about why Australia had to fight for tariff exemptions and nuclear submarines despite being the United States’ best friend, Kennedy said Australia was in a “very privileged” position.
“Our FTA [free trade agreement] is about to be 20 years old, and there is unprecedented two-way investment, with record levels of trade happening every single year,” she said.
“We’re the biggest source of foreign investment [in Australia].
“Australia qualifies under the Defense Production Act and has a status that no other country except the UK has. So I think that all of those things do contribute to our being best friends.”
In addition, Kennedy noted that Australia was not subject to U.S. tariffs under the previous Trump administration.
Inflation Affects US Election Outcomes: Ambassador
When asked why Americans voted for Trump, Kennedy said U.S. elections were mostly based on domestic issues and the economy.
“Obviously, cost of living is a huge issue at home, just like it is here, and our economies are doing well, but people aren’t feeling it,” she said.
“I think that that was probably the most important factor.”
Kennedy acknowledged that Trump’s victory was remarkable and comprehensive and also said Vice President Kamala Harris ran an amazing campaign, bringing a new generation into politics.