When Donald Trump talks about putting America First, he means it—and once again, the results speak for themselves.
Just this month, President Trump rolled out a new slate of tariff adjustments targeting trade imbalances and punishing countries that have long taken advantage of the United States through one-sided deals and non-tariff barriers. Nations like Canada and New Zealand saw tariffs spike, in some cases to 15 percent or more. But Australia? Their tariff rate remained unchanged at a baseline 10 percent. Not because they begged or threatened, but because they played it straight. And because President Trump made a strategic decision that puts American interests first while rewarding reliable allies.
Trade Minister Don Farrell of Australia is quick to credit his own government’s “calm diplomacy” for the outcome. That’s political spin, of course—every politician loves to pat themselves on the back—but there’s a bigger story here that Americans need to understand.
The decision to hold the line on tariffs for Australia isn’t about being “nice.” It’s about smart, pragmatic leadership. Australia is one of the few countries on the planet where the United States actually runs a trade surplus. That’s right—we export more to them than they do to us. That alone makes them an outlier in a global economy where most so-called “partners” flood our markets while blocking American goods with red tape and hidden taxes.
But it goes deeper than economics. Australia has been a rock-solid ally, particularly when it comes to defense and strategic cooperation. The AUKUS alliance—an initiative Trump supported from the start—has deepened military integration between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, building a bulwark against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific. That’s not just symbolic. It’s essential for our national security.
So when President Trump opted not to raise tariffs on Australian goods, it wasn’t a concession. It was a calculated move—rewarding a partner that carries its weight, honors its agreements, and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States on the world stage.
Let’s not overlook the contrast here. Canada, under Justin Trudeau’s left-wing leadership, has routinely undermined U.S. energy policy, weaponized environmental regulations, and dragged its feet on defense spending. New Zealand’s government has been cozying up to Beijing in recent years, playing both sides of the fence. And yet, for years, they all benefited from favorable trade terms with America—until now.
Trump is changing that equation. He’s telling the world: If you want access to the American market, you’d better bring something to the table. That’s not isolationism. That’s realism.
Of course, Minister Farrell is spinning this as a triumph for Australia. He’s touting the fact that products like lamb, beef, wine, and wheat will now be more competitive in the U.S. market compared to those from tariff-hiked countries. And he’s right. But that’s not a loss for the U.S.—it’s a win-win, as long as we’re dealing with fair partners. American consumers gain access to quality goods, and our exporters continue to enjoy a rare surplus in trade with a strong ally.
This is the kind of trade policy that used to be common sense: reward allies, punish freeloaders, and always—always—stand up for American workers.
Meanwhile, Farrell is also celebrating a new trade agreement between Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which will eliminate tariffs on nearly all Australian goods. That’s their business, and good for them. But here’s a lesson for Washington’s failed globalists: Australia is out there aggressively cutting deals to expand its economic reach. The difference? They’re doing it while maintaining a strong national identity, defending their borders, and choosing partners wisely. Maybe Biden’s old State Department could’ve learned something from that—if they weren’t so busy apologizing for America.
At the end of the day, Trump’s trade agenda is delivering real results. It’s not about slogans, it’s about leverage. He understands that America’s market is the most valuable in the world—and he’s finally making foreign governments treat it that way.
This isn’t just about tariffs. It’s about leadership, strength, and putting America first in every negotiation. And unlike the last administration, President Trump doesn’t blink.