Two months ago, a poll for The Australia Institute revealed 44% support for a more independent foreign policy.

Since then, the Trump Administration has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from Australia. Donald Trump also publicly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.

The national survey of 1500 people also found that 44.2% of voters thought former Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was either similar or very similar to Donald Trump.

Key findings:

• 57.7% of respondents believe the election of Donald Trump is a bad or very bad thing for Australia. 65.6% believe it is a bad or very bad thing for the world.
• While 48% of respondents believe AUKUS makes Australia more safe, 56.8% support or strongly support a Parliamentary Inquiry into AUKUS.
• 44.2% of voters believe Peter Dutton is similar or very similar to Donald Trump, while 10.4% believe the same of Anthony Albanese.

“As the Trump administration radically re-shapes the United States, more Australians are reconsidering our relationship with America,” said Dr Emma Shortis, Director of The Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program.

“Over half of Australians now support the pursuit of a more independent foreign policy – a jump of 10% in just a few months.

“Australians are increasingly concerned about what the Trump administration is doing at home and abroad. 66% of Australians now think Trump’s election was a bad or very bad thing for the world.

“After this weekend’s election, the Australian government has a chance to re-imagine our relationship with the United States, with the clear support of the Australian people.”

YouGov conducted a national survey of 1,500 voters on behalf of The Australia Institute between 24 and 29 April 2025, using an online survey polling methodology. Full details are provided in the methodology statement. The poll is compliant with the Australian Polling Council’s requirements. The margin of error on the effective sample size is 3.27%.