Australians are coming to terms with a second Donald Trump presidency after he claimed a comeback US election victory over Kamala Harris.
Following one of the most eventful campaigns in recent memory, Mr Trump claimed victory on Wednesday evening Australian time after the key swing state of Pennsylvania was called in his favour.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the election of the US president marked an important moment for Australia and the Asia Pacific region, and vowed to work closely with the Trump administration.
“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends,” he said.
“Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and – above all – enduring respect and affection between our peoples.
“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also extended his congratulations to the Republican leader on behalf of the federal coalition.
He described the US as an “overwhelming force for good”, declaring the world was at its best when Australia’s close ally was strong and at its best.
“May the years ahead be some of the most defining for our alliance in which, driven by tests of our times, the necessity of deterrence, and the cause of securing peace through strength, we unleash the defence, industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS at speed and scale,” he said.
“In this endeavour, may we draw renewed energy and confidence from the things that unite the American and Australian people: the principles we hold dear, the patriotism that drives us, and the pragmatism that defines us.”
Greens leader Adam Bandt said it was a “bad day for the world”, including women, people of colour and members of the LGBTQI community.
“Trump will be a threat to democracy and to progress,” he said.
“As President, Trump will embolden hate. We’ve seen far-right extremism rise around the globe and time and time again it has been fortified by Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric.”
He urged the Albanese government to withdraw from the AUKUS alliance, a call echoed by a grassroots Labor group.
“It is completely untenable for Australia to continue in lock-step with a militarised US government led by an unstable president,” Labor Against War national convenor Marcus Strom said.
