Mining magnate Clive Palmer has unveiled a new political party, the Trumpet of Patriots, drawing direct inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The billionaire pledges to prioritise Australians, curb government spending, and push conservative social policies as the country gears up for its next federal election.
A new political force emerges
Australian businessman and mining tycoon Clive Palmer has announced the formation of a new right-wing political party, the Trumpet of Patriots, just months before the nation’s federal election. The party, according to Palmer, is modelled after the political movement of Donald Trump, promising to “put Australians first” and “make Australia great again.”
Speaking in Canberra, Palmer said the party’s platform would focus on reducing government expenditure, opposing mass immigration, and reinforcing traditional gender definitions. The launch follows his unsuccessful attempt to register his former party, the United Australia Party (UAP), for the upcoming election.
A political veteran with a new strategy
Clive Palmer is no stranger to Australian politics. The billionaire, listed by Forbes as the country’s 18th richest person with a net worth of $2.1 billion, has previously led the UAP, serving as a federal MP from 2013 to 2016. He spent an estimated A$100 million on the UAP’s 2019 election campaign, securing only one Senate seat.
Palmer stated that while he will not personally contest a seat, he will chair the Trumpet of Patriots and oversee its campaign. The party aims to field candidates in all 150 lower house seats and the Senate. His policy approach reflects key themes of Trump’s political playbook, including promises to “drain the swamp” by cutting government spending.
Election timing and political landscape
Palmer’s announcement comes at a politically significant moment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to set a date for the federal election, which must be held by May, but speculation suggests it could be scheduled as early as March. The political climate is increasingly focused on economic concerns, following a central bank interest rate cut aimed at addressing cost-of-living pressures.
The new party’s prospects remain uncertain, given Palmer’s mixed electoral history. His previous campaigns have attracted widespread media attention and substantial financial investment but have struggled to convert visibility into electoral success.
Whether the Trumpet of Patriots can gain a foothold in Australian politics remains to be seen, but its arrival adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive election season.
