Greens leader Adam Bandt makes wild call after Trump victory

Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt has called for the government to cancel AUKUS after Donald Trump’s win in the US Presidential election.

Mr Trump has claimed victory and is expected to become the 47th US president, telling the crowd at a Florida rally “this will truly be the golden age of America”.

“This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again,” Mr Trump said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulate Mr Trump minutes after his victory speech.

“The election of the President of the United States is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia,” Mr Albanese said.

“Our government will work closely with the new Trump administration to realise the benefits of our strong economic partnership.

“The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region.

“Australia and America are old allies and we are true friends. Our nations are bound by a history of shared sacrifice, a commitment to common values and – above all – enduring respect and affection between our peoples.

“I look forward to talking with President Trump and working with him in the best interests of both our nations.”

However, Mr Bandt was quick to say Mr Trump would “embolden hate and far-right extremism in the USA and abroad”.

“My heart is with every person in the USA and around the world who feels justifiable terror tonight,” Mr Bandt wrote in a post to X.

“Hold your loved ones close. Tomorrow we pick ourselves up and we continue the fight. Hate will not win.”

Mr Bandt also called on the Australian government to “urgently cancel AUKUS” following Mr Trump’s victory.

“We must be able to make our own decisions about defence and foreign policy,” Bandt said.

“We cannot be tied to a dangerous demagogue.”

Fatima Payman has echoed Mr Bandt’s calls.

“Mr President @realDonaldTrump please cancel the AUKUS agreement!” Ms Payman posted to X.

However, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated Mr Trump.

“The United States has been an overwhelming force for good in the world. When our close ally is strong and at its best, the world is at its best,” the Liberal Party leader said in a statement on Wednesday night.

“May the years ahead be some of the most defining for our Alliance in which, driven by tests of our times, the necessity of deterrence, and the cause of securing peace

through strength, we unleash the defence, industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS at speed and scale.

“In this endeavour, may we draw renewed energy and confidence from the things that unite the American and Australian people: the principles we hold dear, the patriotism

that drives us, and the pragmatism that defines us.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said “The Albanese government is committed to strengthening the long and successful partnership between our countries, and advancing our shared interests” in a post to X.

Former Liberal prime ministers Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott have also offered their congratulations to Mr Trump.

“Congratulations to President Trump on his return to the leadership of the free world,” Mr Abbott said in a post to X.

“Self belief is what the West needs right now and Trump has that in spades.”