‘Trump Backs AUKUS’: As Australia Tips $800 Million Into US Submarine Industry

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the press during a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia on Feb. 7, 2025. Alex Wong/Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump backs the $368 billion U.S.-Australia submarine deal and is committed to ensuring off-the-shelf boats are delivered on time, his top defence official says.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hosted Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles in Washington on Saturday in his first meeting with a foreign counterpart since being appointed on Jan. 29.