Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, made headlines as she attended Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, marking her as the first Australian foreign minister to experience this significant occasion. Wong expressed her feelings of honor and privilege after attending the event, which unfolded at the iconic Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, amid high expectations and serious geopolitical deliberations.
Reflecting on her attendance, Wong said, "It was such a privilege and honour to be the first Australian foreign minister to be invited and to attend an inauguration." Her presence emphasized the enduring alliance between the U.S. and Australia, allowing her to represent her country’s interests during what could potentially be a transformative period shaped by Trump’s policies.
During the inauguration, Wong highlighted the importance of the economic relationship between the two nations—citing the U.S. trade surplus with Australia as about two to one. "Of those exports from Australia to the U.S., about half of them go to American production, showcasing the mutual benefit inherent in our economic connection," she stated, expressing optimism about the discussions she hopes to have with Trump’s administration surrounding this trade dynamic.
Following the ceremony, Wong made it clear her goal would be to address these economic ties during meetings with key figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She reiterated this commitment by stating, "Certainly those stats will be something I’ll keep saying to those I meet when it come to the very positive trade relationship we have between our two countries." It was evident she aimed to assure the U.S. administration about the significance of Australian contributions to the American economy.
Australia’s former ambassador to the U.S., Joe Hockey, weighed in on the potential consequences of Trump’s second presidency, articulately expressing concerns over trade tariffs. While Hockey mentioned the exemption Australia received during Trump’s prior presidency, he remained vigilant about possible policy shifts. “If they get rid of regulation ... then it’s very hard to do business in Australia rather than in America,” he cautioned during his interview on Nine's Today Show, emphasizing the broader economic ramifications of Trump’s decisions.
Alongside these economic concerns, La Trobe University’s Professor Dennis Altman warned of the precarious nature of Australia’s relationships with its regional partners, particularly with China and Pacific nations. He suggested Trump's potential use of the trilateral AUKUS pact between Australia, the UK, and the U.S. could lead to awkward situations for Australia as it tries to manage its ties with Beijing. The AUKUS alliance encompasses plans for delivering nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, but its execution amid shifting U.S. policy under Trump remains uncertain.
“The whole global picture is uncertain,” he stated, pointing to the volatile environment resulting from Trump’s presidency, particularly as it affects international relationships.
Another salient concern revolves around climate change and the future of the Paris Agreement under Trump’s leadership. Altman noted the potential backlash such decisions could generate, particularly among right-wing factions within Australian politics, encouraging them to jettison commitments to reducing emissions altogether. “It will give ammunition to the people on the right... who want to ditch commitment to lower emissions,” he elaborated, signaling the broader environmental and humanitarian impacts should Trump forsake climate agreements.
The meeting between Wong and American officials not only symbolizes the strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance but also highlights the apprehensions surrounding Trump’s second term. Wong’s stated goals intend to solidify Australia's beneficial position within the U.S. framework. “The United States is Australia’s closest ally,” Wong admitted during her post-inauguration remarks, expressing hope for collaborative approaches to shared interests and challenges.
With the curtain now lifted on Trump’s second administration, Wong’s diplomatic endeavors will be pivotal in ensuring Australia navigates this complex political terrain effectively. Engaging with potential shifts and uncertainties on the horizon, the Australian foreign minister remains optimistic about fostering enduring partnerships with the U.S. as they step forward together.