Former Australian Ambassador to the US, Arthur Sinodinos, has given a candid reflection on his time in Washington, comparing the political scene to a “huge circus” and recalling his front-row seat to some of the most turbulent years in US history.
Sinodinos, who served as ambassador between 2020 and 2023, predicts Donald Trump‘s presidential return to office will be more akin to a monarchy than a presidency.
“[Trump getting the Congress] gives him capacity to have almost untrammelled legislative authority,” he said, predicting that the second term will resemble “a coronation rather than just an inauguration.”
Sinodinos also anticipates Trump’s focus on securing a lasting legacy, with key issues like Russia-Ukraine and tax cuts on the agenda. However, he believes Trump will avoid further action on abortion laws, an issue he had previously sidestepped during the campaign.
“He’s a political animal, he realises the issue is a bit like kryptonite… I’d be really surprised if he does something really ideological on this,” Sinodinos said.
Turning to Australian politics, Sinodinos praised Peter Dutton’s handling of sensitive social issues, especially abortion laws, advising politicians to steer clear of divisive topics that distract from pressing matters. “Social issues like that, to the extent they have been settled, should be left alone,” he remarked, noting that these issues often detract from more pressing concerns facing everyday Australians.
Sinodinos also weighed in on Trump’s relationship with billionaire Elon Musk, pointing out that Musk’s influence, especially in relation to the Australian government, complicates matters for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“Musk calling the Albanese government ‘fascists’ over social media censorship creates a challenging dynamic,” Sinodinos said.
He believes that while new Ambassador Kevin Rudd could navigate these tensions, it will be crucial for Albanese to maintain a strong relationship with Washington.
“The important relationship is between the President and the Prime Minister,” he added, emphasising that while personal relationships matter, it’s the national interest that must come first.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
