| The Inner Circle Strategic Advisory has been in the US this week for Australia’s premier diplomacy event, G’Day USA. As such, this week’s update is focused on US politics and what’s dominating the US news cycle. Trump and the Superbowl are clearly the two standout topics of the moment, however we also take a quick look at how the US Government is responding to global conflicts. |
| What is G’Day USA? G’Day USA is an annual program designed to foster deeper economic and diplomatic ties with the United States. Launched in 2004, G’Day USA includes a range of activities, activations and events to showcase Australian business capabilities in key sectors such as technology, film, food and wine, travel, and academic research. It provides a platform for Australian companies to promote their products and services, encouraging trade, investment, and collaboration between Australian and American businesses. Over several days, Australian and US leaders from the private sector join with government representatives and officials to participate in business roundtables and attend the annual Arts Gala which recognises Australian celebrities achieving success in the US. Past Arts Gala award recipients include Nicole Kidman, Heath Ledger, Margot Robbie and Hugh Jackman. Having previously attended a number of G’Day USA events with Australian Government Ministers, we can confirm the success of this event in promoting Australian businesses in the US and ultimately increasing the profile of Australia. This is beneficial for tourism and also increased exports of Australian goods and services. |
 2024 G’Day USA The 2024 G’Day USA Arts Gala, hosted by the American Australian Association, was held at the Skirball Cultural Centre in Los Angeles and honoured some outstanding Australian talent. Delta Goodrem was recognised with the top honour, while Samara Weaving received the Rising Star award, and the Excellence in Film and Television award went to legendary director Craig Gillespie. Attendees were treated to performances from Morgan Evans and Mi-kaisha, while G Flip did an incredible job as emcee. The Gala not only brings together Australian and US business leaders, but it also raises money for the AAA to fund Arts scholarships for Australian recipients who want to continue their craft in the US. Australian Ambassador to the US, the Hon Kevin Rudd AC, represented the Australian Government at the event and delivered a uniquely Australian speech. In previous years, federal trade and foreign affairs ministers have attended the event, however this year there were no government ministers in attendance. |
 Trump’s popularity Donald Trump continues to the lead the polls for the Republican Presidential nomination, however he is also leading current President Joe Biden in a number of other polls. According to a Reuters article, Trump had a six-point lead even when third-party candidates were included in the poll, with Trump receiving 36% support, Biden 30%, and Kennedy 8%. Furthermore, a Morning Consult report indicates that Trump maintains a lead over Biden by 2 percentage points (44% to 42%) in their latest national tracking survey. This lead has decreased from a previous 5-point margin. Additionally, Politico reported that Trump is ahead of Biden in several swing states, which are crucial for his hopes of winning back the White House. According to a poll, Trump led Biden in Arizona by 8 percentage points, Georgia by 3 points, Michigan by 12 points, Pennsylvania by 6 points, and Wisconsin by 10 points. These polls suggest that Trump is currently positioned strongly in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, especially in key states and in overall national tracking. However, it’s important to note that polling data can fluctuate and may change as the election approaches. |
 US support to Israel The United States has been a significant supporter of Israel, especially in terms of military aid. Israel has been the largest cumulative recipient of U.S. foreign aid since World War II, receiving about $300 billion (adjusted for inflation) in total economic and military assistance. In response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. has taken steps to support Israel’s military capability. The Biden administration has repositioned the USS Ford Carrier Strike Group closer to Israel’s waters. This strike group includes advanced military assets like the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. Moreover, the Pentagon plans to augment its fighter jet presence in the region, including the deployment of advanced F-35 fighter jets. These measures provide Israel with additional air defense and radar coverage, enhancing its military capabilities in the region. While on the ground in Los Angeles, we witnessed firsthand the support for Israel. In fact, the parks surrounding the famous Beverly Hills sign and fountain are covered with flags of Israel as a sign of solidarity. |
 Superbowl fever Last weekend, the AFC and NFC finals took place which confirmed the two teams making it through to Super Bowl 58 (2024). Super Bowl 58 will be played on Sunday 11 February (US time) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks the first time that Allegiant Stadium is hosting a Super Bowl game. The teams competing in the 2024 Super Bowl are the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. This matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl 54. The Kansas City Chiefs secured their spot in the Super Bowl following a 17-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship. The Chiefs’ defense played a crucial role in this win, holding the Ravens out of the end zone for most of the game. On the other side, the San Francisco 49ers made it to the Super Bowl after an impressive comeback in the NFC Championship, where they overcame a 24-7 deficit to defeat the Detroit Lions 34-31 in Santa Clara. This victory was aided by several mistakes from the Lions, allowing the 49ers to make a remarkable comeback and deny Detroit its first Super Bowl appearance. The Super Bowl 58 is set to be an exciting event, with both teams having a rich history and strong performances leading up to this final showdown. |