Unpacking Trump 2.0

Despite President Trump’s own mercurial approach, the administration’s early moves with allies in the Indo-Pacific have suggested far more continuity than change.

3 June 2025

AUKUS has emerged as a key defence priority in the early months of the Trump administration, amid strong political support and ongoing challenges around delivery, funding, and strategic coordination.

3 June 2025

Trump’s shifting approach to Ukraine—marked by a push for swift conflict termination, transactional diplomacy, and disengagement—has injected uncertainty into US policy and raised concerns among allies about the reliability of America’s global security commitments.

3 June 2025

While President Trump asserts a tough position on nuclear non-proliferation, his administration's varying approaches to Iran, North Korea, and China, along with its transactional approach to alliances, raise questions about the credibility of US extended deterrence and the future of the nuclear landscape.

3 June 2025

Trump’s return has “put defence spending back on the agenda,” but mixed signals from the White House, internal GOP divisions, and budget pressures mean ambitious talk of rebuilding the military may face serious political and fiscal hurdles.

3 June 2025

Reducing US reliance on China for critical minerals has emerged as a top priority for the Trump administration. While early actions signal urgency, questions remain about clarity, costs and the implications for allies.

3 June 2025

Technology policy under Trump 2.0 maintains an emphasis on domestic capability and geopolitical advantage, shifting from responsible AI to a vision of global AI dominance.

3 June 2025

President Trump's second term has introduced significant uncertainty into US-China policy, marked by swift tariff implementations and a blend of strategic competition with alliance-centric security measures, yet economic approaches that sometimes disregard ally interests.

3 June 2025

US foreign aid is undergoing major structural change, with reduced funding, eliminated agencies, and a more transactional approach focused on aligning aid with strategic interests.

3 June 2025

President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” plan and shifting trade measures have driven economic uncertainty, challenged institutional checks and balances, and left allies like Australia weighing their response.

3 June 2025

As the United States rolls back climate and energy policies, Australia faces both opportunities and risks—especially around critical minerals, green manufacturing, and the future of the US-Australia Climate Compact.

3 June 2025