A Democratic congressman says he has 100 per cent confidence in the ability of the US to produce nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
Earlier today, at his meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Donald Trump declared the Biden-era AUKUS pact was “full steam ahead”.
Democratic representative Joe CourtneyCredit: AFR
On ABC News this afternoon, Joe Courtney said Trump’s remarks were proof the AUKUS pact was finally settled.
“That’s a pretty full-throated endorsement,” Courtney said of Trump’s remarks.
“I think the exchange with the PM was warm. The statement that came out from the White House … that explicitly stated that Australia’s investment in the US industrial base was convincing evidence of the fact it’s a program people are deeply committed to.
“We are now … bringing on more shipyards around the country.”
At the press conference, Trump was asked about previous comments made by Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, which included him once calling the president a “traitor to the West”.
Asked about the awkward exchange, Courtney said Rudd was a consummate professional.
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“He was deeply involved in terms of some of the negotiations around the language in terms of the [AUKUS] bill that was enacted back in 2023,” he said. “His record in terms of the way he has approached the job with no political agenda … it’s what an ambassador is supposed to do.
“I understand there was a private conversation where [Rudd] apologised and the president accepted it. Once again, to me, it was another example of Kevin’s really total focus in terms of doing what is best for the country.”