Australian billionaire and mining magnate Clive Palmer has launched a new political movement, the Trumpet of Patriots, directly inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump. With a federal election looming, Palmer promises to shake up the political landscape with a hardline stance on government spending, immigration, and cultural issues.
At a press conference announcing the party’s formation, Palmer declared his intention to “drain the swamp” in Canberra, echoing Trump’s well-known rhetoric about cutting government bureaucracy. “We’ve seen how effective Donald Trump has been in reducing public expenditure in the U.S., and we need the same kind of leadership here in Australia,” Palmer said.
The Trumpet of Patriots plans to field candidates in all 150 seats of the House of Representatives, as well as in the Senate. The party has taken a firm stance on immigration policies and gender recognition, aligning with conservative ideals frequently championed by Trump.
Palmer, currently ranked as Australia’s 18th richest individual with a net worth of $2.1 billion (Forbes), is no stranger to politics. He previously led the United Australia Party (UAP) and served as a federal MP from 2013 to 2016. Despite investing approximately A$100 million ($63.5 million) in the UAP’s last election campaign, the party secured only one Senate seat.
However, Palmer was unable to re-register UAP in time for the upcoming election, prompting the launch of his new party. The election must take place by May, though Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to set a date. Speculation is growing that the vote could happen as early as March, following a recent interest rate cut by the central bank—an economic boost that may help Albanese’s government recover from declining public support due to cost-of-living concerns.
As Palmer embarks on this new political journey, his Trump-inspired movement is set to test the appetite of Australian voters for a populist, right-wing alternative on the national stage.