Greens’ leader Adam Bandt goes into meltdown after Trump’s election win – and makes extraordinary demand
Greens leader Adam Bandt has labeled Donald Trump’s presidential victory as a “bad day for the world” – especially for women, people of color and the LGBTIQ community.
After one of the most eventful campaigns in recent history, Trump claimed victory on Wednesday evening Australian time, after the important swing state of Pennsylvania was called in his favor.
Bandt shared his disappointment in a social media post shortly after Trump announced his victory.
“This is a pretty terrifying outcome for many of us,” Bandt wrote.
“In times like these it can be easy to feel defeated. But there is too much at stake to give up hope.
“We must come together and continue our fight for people and planet.”
Bandt claimed that Trump’s administration would encourage hatred and far-right extremism.
Greens leader Adam Bandt labeled Trump’s victory ‘terrifying’ and called on the federal government to urgently cut ties with the United States
The Republican leader declared victory in the US presidential election on Wednesday evening (AEDT)
“President Trump will encourage hatred and far-right extremism in the US and abroad,” Bandt wrote.
“We have seen far-right extremism rise around the world and time and time again it has been amplified by Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric.”
He also called on the Albanian government to withdraw from AUKUS – a trilateral security treaty between Australia, Britain and the US aimed at deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific – claiming that the country “cannot be bound by a dangerous demagogue’.
“The Greens are calling on the Australian Government to urgently cancel AUKUS. We must be able to make our own decisions about defense and foreign policy.’
He further warned people not to be discouraged by Trump’s election victory, adding that “hate will not win” and that political change is still possible.
“My heart goes out to everyone in the US and around the world who are feeling justified terror tonight. Keep your loved ones close,” Bandt wrote.
‘Tomorrow we will pick ourselves up and continue the fight. Hate won’t win.
‘Politics does not begin and end at the ballot box. It happens every day in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, homes and on the streets.
“Today we must ask ourselves what we are willing to do for the change we need.”
It comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Trump on winning the US election.
Albanese expressed his feelings on Wednesday evening after Trump’s successful bid to win the race for the White House for a second term as president.
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory,” he wrote.
“Australians and Americans are good friends and true allies. By working together, we can ensure that the partnership between our nations and peoples remains strong into the future.”
Trump defeated his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris (pictured, embraced by current President of the United States Joe Biden) in key battleground states
Mr Albanese reiterated the Government’s commitment to maintaining a strong relationship between Australia and the United States.
“Our government will work closely with the new Trump administration to realize the benefits of our strong economic partnership,” the statement continued.
“The United States has long played a leading role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific.
“Australia will seek to strengthen cooperation between our countries in the region.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also congratulated the Republican leader on behalf of the federal coalition.
He described the US as an “overwhelming force for good” and stated that the world was at its best when Australia’s close ally was strong and at its best.
‘May the coming years be some of the most defining for our alliance as we, driven by the trials of our times, the need for deterrence and the cause of securing peace through strength, embrace the defense, industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS unleash speed and scale,” he said.
“In this endeavor, may we draw renewed energy and confidence from the things that unite the American and Australian people: the principles we hold dear, the patriotism that drives us, and the pragmatism that defines us.”