Aukus had a less than immaculate conception. It was conceived in secrecy and born in haste, a tribute to political opportunism and a travesty of disciplined planning. The enthusiasm of theatrical announcements notwithstanding, it was in trouble from the beginning. The US Navy had serious doubts about both the ability of US shipbuilders to deliver submarines in any workable timeframe and the ability of the Royal Australian Navy to integrate and operate them. That was not a question of trust but of capacity – on both sides.
And, of course, experienced and well-informed Australian defence planners rang the warning bells from the beginning.
Yup, the US was a much more reliable partner in the past but then usians supported/allowed the mango Mussolini win a second term.
Even prior to that Pillar 1 seemed like a horrific deal for Australia. The serious question marks over whether the submarines would ever actually be delivered, let alone on time, existed all through the Biden administration too.