US Investment Firm with Trump Ties Expresses Interest in Darwin Port Amid Political Uncertainty
An American investment firm with links to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has expressed interest in the Port of Darwin, currently under a long-term lease to Chinese company Landbridge.
Last month, Australia’s federal Labor government reiterated its election commitment to return the strategic northern port “into Australian hands.” However, it remains unclear whether that includes allowing a bid from another foreign-owned company.
Landbridge secured a 99-year lease of the port from the Northern Territory (NT) government in 2015, sparking years of national security concerns and political controversy.
Earlier this month, a representative from New York-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management met with Darwin Port officials, Landbridge has confirmed.
Cerberus was co-founded by billionaire Steve Feinberg, who stepped down from his leadership role at the firm to serve as Deputy Secretary of Defense during the Trump administration.
Terry O’Connor, Landbridge’s Australian non-executive director, told the ABC that while Cerberus had expressed potential interest in the port, no formal offer had been made.
“They indicated interest in the port as part of their global investment portfolio,” Mr O’Connor said.
“There were no price discussions — nothing was negotiated. This is similar to interest we’ve received from various companies in recent months.”
Cerberus, which manages around $65 billion in assets globally, is involved in sectors ranging from defense and real estate to aviation and automotive. The company did not respond to media inquiries.
Government Position Remains Vague
The ABC understands that the federal government has not played a role in facilitating Cerberus’s approach to Darwin Port.
When asked about the potential for a U.S. bid, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office reiterated only that the Commonwealth was “working closely with the NT government on next steps.”
Solomon MP and Special Envoy for Defence and Northern Australia Luke Gosling declined to comment specifically on foreign bids but reiterated the government’s goal of restoring Australian control over the port.
NT Treasurer Bill Yan’s office did not confirm whether he met with Cerberus representatives during their visit.
Mr O’Connor said there had been no clear signs of an imminent offer from the U.S. firm.
“It seems to be just another post-election political football,” he remarked.
“Landbridge representatives in China view this as a political media storm in Australia — they don’t see any serious engagement.”
Diplomatic Tensions Reignite
On Sunday, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian publicly criticised the federal government’s push to review or reverse the lease, describing the move as “ethically questionable” and urging Canberra to reconsider.
The original 2015 lease to Landbridge drew international scrutiny, including concern from then-U.S. President Barack Obama, who raised the issue with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the time.
