Trump administration using AUKUS review to pressure Albanese on defence spending
Sky News host Sharri Markson has suggested the Trump administration is allegedly using the AUKUS review as leverage to pressure Prime Minister Anthony Albanese into boosting defence spending.
'The United States President and his officials are frustrated, firstly Albanese's refusal to increase defence spending,' Ms Markson said.
'Secondly, his flippant attitude that defence is an issue of sovereignty, and they're concerned about his commitment to the alliance and his refusal to robustly call out China's aggressions in our region.
'Confidential sources told me today the Trump administration is extremely serious about needing Australia to lift its game on defence spending, and this is irrespective of Jim Chalmers' budget constraints.'
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