US Reviews AUKUS Pact Amid America First Agenda Shift

The United States has initiated a review of the AUKUS security partnership between the US, UK, and Australia to ensure it aligns with President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda, putting the $240 billion pact into uncertainty. The review, led by Pentagon officials, reflects skepticism about the program's feasibility, especially concerning the US's limited nuclear submarine availability in the early 2030s, which casts doubt on the delivery timelines for Australia and the UK. Australian officials remain confident the pact will proceed, despite the US reconsideration, while some critics argue that the US is unlikely to fulfill its submarine commitments due to national defense priorities and industrial constraints. China has condemned the trilateral security partnership, opposing bloc confrontations and nuclear proliferation risks. The US review emphasizes readiness, allied contributions to collective defense, and the defense industrial base's capacity, highlighting the Trump administration's focus on prioritizing American interests. This development signals potential strain in the alliance and raises questions about the future of Australia's nuclear submarine acquisition plans under AUKUS.