More than six months into President Trump’s second term, new polling from the United States Studies Centre (USSC) finds that Australians see America as an ally and partner despite holding negative views of President Trump and the state of US democracy.

In The Albanese-Trump summit: Where do Australians stand on their most important ally? authors Samuel Garrett (USSC Senior Research Associate), Ava Kalinauskas (USSC Senior Research Associate) and Jared Mondschein (USSC Director of Research) provide a snapshot of Australian perceptions of the United States through ten key takeaways ahead of Prime Minister Albanese’s scheduled meeting with President Trump. 

“Despite widespread unease about President Trump’s second term, Australians remain committed to the alliance,” said CEO Dr Michael Green. “This underscores the resilience of the relationship beyond any single administration, but there are warning signs.”

The polling finds that only 16% of Australians believe that the second Trump administration has been good for Australia, while 42% of Australians say the US alliance makes their country more secure — a 13 percentage point decrease since 2024 and the first time support has dropped below a majority since USSC polling began in 2022. Despite this, the majority (54%) disagree that Australia should withdraw from its alliance with the United States, up from 44% in 2023 when asked if Australia should withdraw if Donald Trump was re-elected.

“Australians recognise the strategic importance of the alliance, even as they question America’s political trajectory,” said Jared Mondschein.

These findings come ahead of the USSC’s annual Allies and Partners Poll, which will also capture views from American, Japanese and Indian citizens.

The Albanese-Trump summit: Where do Australians stand on their most important ally? is now available to view.

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