Trump found his immigration playbook in the most unexpected place, and now he’s taking the cruelty even further

Donald Trump’s recent immigration policies show striking similarities to Australia’s controversial approach to handling refugees and asylum seekers. These policies, which include offshore detention centers and strict measures against boat arrivals, have been part of Australia’s immigration system for years.

In 2017, during Trump’s first week as president, a phone call with then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull revealed his early interest in Australia’s tough immigration stance. The conversation, which later leaked to The Washington Post, showed Trump’s admiration for Australia’s strict policies.

According to MSNBC, when Turnbull explained Australia’s policy of refusing refugees who arrived by boat, Trump responded enthusiastically, saying, “That is a good idea. We should do that too.” He even added, “You are worse than I am,” finding unexpected inspiration in Australia’s approach to immigration control.

How Trump’s administration has implemented Australian-style policies

Trump’s administration has now put in place several measures that mirror Australia’s system. These include sending migrants to offshore locations like El Salvador and Guantanamo Bay, and building detention centers in harsh conditions, despite questions about his own family’s immigration history. Like Australia’s system, these policies have faced criticism from human rights groups and international organizations

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However, Trump’s approach differs significantly from Australia’s in one key aspect. While Australian officials tend to keep their detention system away from public view and rarely discuss the conditions in these facilities, Trump’s administration has taken the opposite approach, openly showcasing and celebrating their tough measures.

The White House and its allies have turned their immigration crackdown into public displays. Social media posts mock detainees, and Republican officials take photos at detention facilities. During a recent visit to a detention facility in the Everglades, Trump openly joked about the dangerous location, while the Republican Party of Florida sells merchandise related to these policies.

Recent polls suggest these harsh measures might be backfiring politically. According to CNN polling, 55 percent of Americans now think Trump has gone too far with deportation efforts, contributing to growing criticism even from within his own party over his extreme policies, an increase of 10 points since February. A CBS News/YouGov poll shows 58 percent of people disapprove of how his administration uses detention facilities, with most Americans now opposing the overall deportation program.

The U.S. isn’t alone in following Australia’s example, as the United Kingdom also attempted to implement similar policies by sending asylum seekers to Rwanda in 2022. However, no other country has displayed such public enthusiasm about these strict measures, with Trump’s administration, led by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, continuing to promote and celebrate their tough stance on immigration.