SYDNEY — Australian billionaire and mining magnate Clive Palmer has announced the launch of a new political party, the Trumpet of Patriots, drawing direct inspiration from former U.S. President Donald Trump. With a federal election approaching, Palmer has pledged to “drain the swamp” in Canberra, mirroring Trump’s rhetoric on reducing government bureaucracy and public spending.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (Feb 19), Palmer praised Trump’s approach to governance, particularly in cutting government expenditure. He also voiced strong opposition to mass immigration and stated that his party would only recognize two genders, positions that align with Trump’s conservative policies.

Palmer’s Trumpet of Patriots plans to contest all 150 seats in Australia’s lower house, as well as Senate positions. The billionaire, who ranks as Australia’s 18th richest person with a net worth of $2.1 billion, has been active in politics for over a decade. He previously led the right-wing United Australia Party (UAP), serving as a lower house lawmaker from 2013 to 2016. Despite investing approximately A$100 million in the UAP’s last federal election campaign, the party secured only a single Senate seat. This year, Palmer was unable to register the UAP in time, leading him to establish the Trumpet of Patriots as an alternative platform.

The upcoming federal election, which must be held by May, is expected to be a crucial test for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government. While the official election date has not been announced, it could take place as early as March. The government recently received a potential boost with the central bank’s decision to cut interest rates, a move that may ease cost-of-living pressures, a key issue affecting its popularity. Palmer’s new party is set to introduce a nationalist, Trump-style agenda to Australian politics, aiming to appeal to conservative voters disillusioned with mainstream political options. However, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will translate into electoral success.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file.