Saturday, 6th, September, 2025: Bruce Wolpe-Snr Fellow US Study Centre; Update on USA Politics and Trump and the Dept. of War.
On September 6, 2025, listeners tuning into Joy Radio were treated to an insightful discussion as Nevena and Macca welcomed Bruce Wolpe, a Senior Fellow at the US Study Centre. Bruce’s recent trip to the United States served as a backdrop for his commentary on the current state of US politics, particularly regarding Donald Trump, whose presidency has been the center of numerous discussions and controversies.
Wolpe’s most recent article, titled “The United States has changed. Australia hasn’t. It’s time to talk about where the relationship goes from here,” hints at the imperative for Australians to reassess their geopolitical relationships, especially in light of recent developments in US trade policy. The article emphasizes a turning point in Australia’s foreign policy, likening the current climate to the critical decisions made during the Iraq war.
Reflecting on the shifting dynamics, Wolpe noted, “Seven months after Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term as US president, we are facing the most important moment in Australia’s foreign policy.” His assertion rests on the increasing pressure Australia faces due to Trump’s unilateral decisions, particularly those regarding trade agreements. He highlighted the concern stemming from Trump’s recent imposition of tariffs, which directly impacts Australian exports and is perceived as a significant breach of the long-standing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Specifically, Wolpe pointed out Trump’s recent tariff decisions announced on August 1, which included a 10% tariff on Australian goods and a startling 50% tariff on steel and aluminium. “Trump has effectively trashed the historic agreement,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of this economic impact on Australia.
As if to accelerate the tension further, President Trump has also flagged a potential 250% tariff on Australian pharmaceuticals, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Australia’s trade relations. Wolpe framed this as an alarming trend, expressing that further strains on the alliance are anticipated. “There is much more to come on the future of the US–Australia alliance,” he warned.
Debates in the media encapsulated the various opinions on how the bilateral relationship should evolve. Discussions highlighted the necessity for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to engage directly with Trump, evaluating whether this diplomatic route could soothe tensions. The aftermath of Albanese’s recent visit to China has also raised questions about its implications for US-Australia relations; many ponder if this created ripples of uncertainty in Washington.
Furthermore, the prospect of transforming northern Australia into a military stronghold for allied forces has been hotly debated, raising important questions about Australia’s strategic positioning within the region. Many commentators have expressed concerns about the management of this critical alliance, prompting calls for a concerted national dialogue about the future of Australia’s longstanding partnership with the United States.
Bruce Wolpe’s credentials add weight to his insights; he has an impressive background as a former Democratic staffer during President Barack Obama’s first term and served as chief of staff for Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. His works, including “Trump’s Australia,” provide an in-depth exploration of the implications of Trump’s potential second term for Australia.
Wolpe’s analyses and perspectives can be further explored in his writings, including critical insights found in his articles and books. His expertise serves as a vital resource for anyone keen to understand the complexities surrounding the evolving landscape of US-Australia relations during such a tumultuous period in American politics.
For more in-depth discussions from this episode and previous ones, listeners can tune into the Saturday Magazine podcast available on various platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. The podcast aims to provide a nuanced view of current affairs, ensuring that audiences remain informed about significant global events.