Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has launched a new political party, the Trumpet of Patriots, inspired by U.S. President Donald Trump, just months before Australia's federal election.
Palmer, a mining magnate worth $2.1 billion, said his party aims to "drain the swamp" in Canberra, echoing Trump's call for reducing government size and spending. He praised Trump’s fiscal policies, stating, “We think Donald Trump’s been very effective in reducing public expenditure.”
The Trumpet of Patriots will contest all 150 lower house seats and the Senate. The party's platform opposes mass immigration and recognizes only two genders, aligning with conservative policies favored by Trump.
Palmer, previously the leader of the United Australia Party (UAP), served as a lawmaker from 2013 and spent approximately A$100 million ($63.52 million) on UAP’s last election campaign, securing only one Senate seat. He failed to re-register UAP in time for this year's election.
With Australia’s federal election due by May, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to announce the exact date. Speculation suggests a possible March election, especially after the central bank's recent interest rate cut, which could boost the government amid declining approval ratings caused by cost-of-living concerns.
Palmer's latest political move aims to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction, positioning his party as a right-wing alternative ahead of a critical election period.