Greens leader Adam Bandt criticized Donald Trump’s presidential victory as a “bad day for the world”, especially for women, people of color and the LGBTIQ community.
Following one of the most eventful campaigns in recent memory, Trump claimed victory on Wednesday afternoon Australian time after the key state of Pennsylvania was voted in his favour.
Bandt shared his disappointment in a social media post shortly after Trump announced his victory.
“This is a pretty scary result 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 unite and continue our fight for people and the planet.”
Bandt claimed that the Trump administration would encourage far-right hate and extremism.
Greens leader Adam Bandt called Trump’s victory “terrifying” and called on the federal government to urgently cut ties with the United States.
The Republican leader declared his victory in the United States presidential elections on Wednesday night (AEDT)
“President Trump will embolden far-right hate and extremism in the United States and abroad,” Bandt wrote.
‘We have seen far-right extremism grow around the world and time and time again it has been strengthened by Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric.
He also called on the Albanian government to cancel AUKUS, stating that the country “cannot be linked to a dangerous demagogue.”
‘The Greens call on the Australian government to urgently cancel AUKUS. “We must be able to make our own decisions on 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 every person in the US and around the world who feels justifiable terror tonight. Keep your loved ones close,” Bandt wrote.
‘Tomorrow we get up and continue the fight. Hate will not win.
‘Politics does not begin or end at the polls. It happens in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, homes and on the streets every day.
“Today we should ask ourselves what we are willing to do to achieve the change we need.”
It comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Trump on winning the US election.
Albanese expressed his feelings Wednesday night following Trump’s successful bid to win the race to the White House for a second term as president.
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory,” he wrote.
‘The Australians and Americans are great 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 US President Joe Biden), in key battleground states.
Albanese reiterated the government’s strong 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 Indo-Pacific stability and security.
“Australia will strive to strengthen cooperation between our nations in the region.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also congratulated the Republican leader on behalf of the federal coalition.
He described the United States as an “overwhelming force for good”, and declared that the world was at its best when Australia’s close ally was strong and at its best.
“May the years ahead be some of the most decisive for our alliance in which, driven by the trials of our times, the need for deterrence and the cause of securing peace through strength, we will unleash the opportunities for defense, industrial and economic development of AUKUS in speed and scale,” he said.
“In this effort, we can 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.”