In a dramatic twist to Australia's general election campaign, Donald Trump is making waves just weeks before voters head to the polls, creating significant challenges for conservative leader Peter Dutton.

A recent poll from the Lowy Institute reveals that trust in the United States among Australians has plummeted to a shocking low of 36%. This marks a 20-point drop since June 2024, the steepest decline recorded in the survey's two-decade history. Trump's controversial policies—including ‘reciprocal’ tariffs against allies and his volatile rhetoric—are fueling said concerns among the electorate.

Adding fuel to the fire, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party has surged ahead from trailing by six points earlier this year to leading by as much as nine points with only weeks left until the May 3 election.

Trump: The Unseen Candidate!

“Trump has effectively become the third candidate in this election,” states Mark Kenny, a political expert from the Australian National University. His unpredictable presence complicates Dutton's messaging, making it increasingly difficult for him to appear as an independent contender.

The Lowy survey aligns with findings from Resolve Strategic, which showed that one-third of voters—35% of undecided voters included—are now less inclined to support Dutton due to Trump’s influence.

Voter Backlash Against Trump-Inspired Policies

Ryan Neelam from the Lowy Institute pointed out that, given Trump’s norm-shattering presidency, it's unsurprising that Australians are growing disillusioned with the U.S.

Dutton's campaign has borrowed heavily from Trump’s playbook, including a controversial initiative featuring Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as a shadow minister for 'government efficiency,' inspired by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, the backlash has forced Dutton to backtrack on policies perceived as overly aggressive, including mandating a full-time return for government workers.

Labor Seizes the Opportunity!

With a shift in public sentiment favoring Labor, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has taken to referring to Dutton as “DOGE-y Dutton,” emphasizing the stark contrast between the parties. Albanese warns that Dutton would perpetuate ‘DOGE-style cuts’ to public services.

Kenny astutely notes that the chaos emanating from the Trump-led White House, combined with Dutton’s past admiration for the former U.S. president, has only weighed him down as the election approaches. As Trump's popularity wanes, so too does Dutton’s political capital.

As Australia edges closer to election day, the ramifications of Trump’s political shadow loom larger than ever, directly influencing the dynamics of leadership and voter sentiment.