‘Terrifying outcome’: Greens leader Adam Bandt calls for AUKUS to be ‘urgently’ cancelled after Trump election

Donald Trump’s astonishing victory in the US election has prompted a major warning over hate speech and extremism going on the rise, and renewed calls for Australia to cancel a major security alliance.

Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential election has reignited calls for Australia to end the AUKUS military pact, amid the Greens warning the “terrifying” outcome will lead to a rise in hate speech and extremism.

Adam Bandt made the astonishing call following Mr Trump claiming victory on Wednesday.

In a rowdy address to the crowd at a Florida rally, Mr Trump said it would 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.

Mr Trump is now expected to become the 47th President of the US - the second to serve non-consecutive terms and the first convicted felon to hold office.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has congratulated Donald Trump who has claimed victory in the 2024 US Presidential election.

Minutes after his win, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Mr Trump, saying: “The election of the President of the United States is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia.”

“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.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both congratulated Donald Trump on his win in the US Presidential election. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

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

He called the election outcome “terrifying” and urged people to “come together” and “continue our fight for people and the planet”.

“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.”

Politics doesn’t start and end at the ballot box.

It happens in our neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, homes, and on the streets every single day.

Today we should ask ourselves what we’re willing to do for the change we need.

— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) November 6, 2024

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.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton welcomed Donald Trump’s win in the US Presidential election on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“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.

Congratulations to President Trump on his return to the leadership of the free world. Self belief is what the West needs right now and Trump has that in spades

— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) November 6, 2024

Congratulations President Trump. pic.twitter.com/0Qy07fcbcV

— Scott Morrison (@ScoMo30) November 6, 2024

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.”

Originally published as ‘Terrifying outcome’: Greens leader Adam Bandt calls for AUKUS to be ‘urgently’ cancelled after Trump election