Clive Palmer Launches Trumpet of Patriots Party, Aims for Federal Seats

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has launched a new political party, Trumpet of Patriots, closely modeled on Donald Trump's campaign themes, including the phrase 'drain the swamp.' The party aims to challenge Australia's political landscape by standing candidates in all 150 seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate, addressing issues such as cost of living, immigration, and gender recognition. Palmer, who previously led the United Australia Party, criticized the current political system for high living costs and plans to adopt policies reminiscent of Trump's successful strategies to reduce public expenditure. He has committed to spending whatever it takes to support his candidates in the upcoming federal election, which must occur by May. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to announce the election date but faces declining popularity amid economic pressures. Critics have pointed to Palmer's campaign spending as a potential 'distortion of democracy.'