A new explainer from the United States Studies Centre (USSC) at the University of Sydney analyses key personnel in the Trump administration and what their appointments mean for issues like AUKUS, tariffs and alliances.

In Key players in the Trump administration — and what they mean for Australia, Senior Research Associates Samuel Garrett and Ava Kalinauskas and Research Intern Annabelle Brophy give a topline breakdown of members of Cabinet and other senior Trump administration officials and their influence on issues relevant to Australia and other US allies.

“One of the biggest changes from Trump 1.0 to Trump 2.0 are the people around him. Rather than pushback, in his second term, President Trump is surrounded by a team that are far more eager to fulfil his vision,” Director of Research Jared Mondschein noted.

From the AUKUS review to the “Liberation Day” tariffs, this explainer looks at the owners and advocates of the Trump administration policies that are most impactful for US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific. Figures profiled include:

  • JD Vance, Vice President
  • Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and acting National Security Advisor
  • Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
  • Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury
  • Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

“It is important to look at where you have had a lone voice on an issue, like the AUKUS review, versus a unified chorus such as on the push for increased defence spending. President Trump may be capricious, but his inner circle gives us insights into understanding his playbook,” Mondschein concluded.

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Mari Koeck
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ussc.media@sydney.edu.au