![](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/c133bc275dcb5f49bdeb785d70a4032786fe6bd4/0_70_7564_4537/master/7564.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=883e9f4d5e35a5d2c3cf0ad10a39a812)
Trump ‘very aware, supportive’ of Aukus, says Pete Hegseth as Australia pays down $800m on submarine deal
The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, said Donald Trump supports the Aukus nuclear submarine deal, after Australia on Friday confirmed its first $800m (US$500m) payment under the defence pact. “The president is very aware, supportive of Aukus, recognises …