The Pentagon is reviewing the AUKUS security pact to ensure it aligns with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, a US defence official told the ABC.
Despite the review, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said he was “very confident this [AUKUS] is going to happen,” calling the process “perfectly natural” under a new administration.
The review, led by Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby, who has expressed scepticism about AUKUS, comes as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth urges Australia to increase its defence spending “as soon as possible.”
Under AUKUS, Australia is set to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines from 2032, with long-term plans to build its own.
The deal has bipartisan support, but concerns linger over US production delays and Australia’s reliance on the timeline. A White House official confirmed the administration is “regularly” reassessing foreign deals.
While Trump has said little on AUKUS — once responding, “What does that mean?” — allies hope Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Trump will meet at the upcoming G7 summit to reaffirm support.
US Congressman Joe Courtney warned scrapping the pact would “certainly be met with great rejoicing in Beijing.”
Source: ABC.
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