What Trump's Second Term Means for Australia: The shocking consequences for us and the world

by Bruce Wolpe

Australia's best-informed commentator on US politics provides a blueprint for Australia for Trump's second term.

Leading expert and US and Australian politics insider Bruce Wolpe reveals the many ways in which Australia has already been damaged by Donald Trump. Seeping into Australia from above and below, Trumpism has contaminated public debate, emboldened local political and religious extremists, diminished Australia's economy and international relations—and much more.

Wolpe predicts America's democracy won't survive a second Trump term. The implications for Australia and for the world are shocking. He explains how Australia can draw on its strengths to protect its democracy, economy and society from Trumpism, and where Australia is vulnerable and needs to build guardrails. He warns Australia might also face an existential question about ties with its most important ally. 

'True, timely and terrifying' Sean Kelly, author of The Game

'A timely warning and a potential survival guide' John Barron, Planet America

'A forensic analysis of how President Donald Trump invaded Australia's politics and prospects' Laura Tingle, ABC TV

'A must read for anyone who cares about Australian democracy' Zoe Daniel, Independent MP for Goldstein and author of Greetings from Trumpland

'This is a book you should read' Natalie Barr, Sunrise

What Trump's Second Term Means for Australia was originally published in mid-2023 as Trump's Australia. It has been updated throughout and includes a new foreword.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Thomas Karsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is my first political non-fiction book that I have read cover to cover. It covers Trump's first term in depth which is especially helpful to myself who was not as politically informed, given I was 14, when he took office. The topics covered are wide, from his first term, to covid, protectionism, misinformation, economics, defence and many more.

The only issue, which is no fault of Wolpe, is the unpredictability of Trump. Already, the extent of corruption (with Elon Musk), blatant crimes of ignoring federal judge orders, and lies spread, from the current administration is mind blowing.

Donald Trump has, in his first 7 weeks of presidency, and will, in the coming 4 years do unprecedented levels of damage to the United States, her allies and the world.

[Bill Perrin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started reading this book and after a few dozen pages, I thought I might stop. Generally it was undergraduate drivel. However I kept reading and kept wondering why.
Nothing new in anything that has been written here. Most of it could be (and perhaps was) sourced from the daily conservative paper. Trump is an easy target, a liar, corrupt, a demagogue, not at all democratic. The author avoids anything more than skin deep and there is little analysis to be had here. I suspect the author would like to go back to Biden. The author doesn’t question why people voted for him, why the numbers of women and blacks voted for him. He doesn’t seem to think the ultra rich have a role.
Why two stars and not one? He has compiled the common understanding of Trump era; unfortunately the analysis is lacking.

[Subi KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars - 3.5 idk. FINALLY finished this book though cause of the power outage that happened. non-fiction books are just not for me, bought this book in may and have been trying to read pages. the book is interesintg trump sucks but its just hard for me to read non-fiction

[Enie X · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read! It helped me remembered what Trump had done in his last term. Democracy is fragile. Australia is in an really awkward position. There is no short-term solution.