Trust in US President Donald Trump has collapsed to a record low among Australians, with only 21 per cent expressing confidence that he will "do the right thing," according to a new Lowy Institute poll.
The survey marks a significant diplomatic realignment in public opinion, revealing that for the first time, a majority of Australians consider Canberra’s relationship with Beijing more important than its ties with Washington.
The data underscores a growing divergence between official alliance commitments and public sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region.
While the US remains Australia’s primary security partner, the poll indicates that economic and strategic anxieties are driving voters to prioritize engagement with China.
This shift occurs against a backdrop of heightened trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, complicating the diplomatic calculus for Canberra.
The findings contrast with recent diplomatic signals from Washington, where President Trump has indicated a potential softening on arms sales to Taiwan following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.