In a recent address to the National Press Club, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull delivered a pointed critique of Donald Trump, likening him to Russian President Vladimir Putin for his troubling rhetoric about Canadian sovereignty. Turnbull remarked, “There’s an eerie resonance between the language Trump uses about Canada and the language Putin uses about Ukraine,” highlighting the concerning nature of Trump’s comments.
Reflecting on his tenure during Trump’s first presidency, Turnbull noted that the current US administration diverges significantly from long-held bipartisan values shared by previous leaders. He asserted that American foreign policy under Trump has diminished Australia’s sovereignty, urging the nation to enhance its defence capabilities for greater self-reliance, particularly in light of what he perceives as limited prospects for receiving submarines from the AUKUS agreement.
As the federal election campaign begins and amidst looming US tariff announcements, Turnbull expressed uncertainty over whether Prime Minister Anthony Albanese or Opposition Leader Peter Dutton would be better suited to handle Trump. He suggested Dutton, while politically aligned with Trump, faces challenges stemming from his connection to influential Trump supporters, while Albanese lacks such problematic associations.
Turnbull emphasised the importance of adopting a more assertive and transactional approach in dealings with the US, urging Australian leaders to “get off your knees and stand up for Australia.” He starkly warned against the pitfalls of attempting to win favour with Trump, asserting that such deference does not serve the nation’s interests.
His address concluded with a light-hearted impersonation of Trump, demonstrating the necessity for Australian leaders to be resilient and straightforward, even in the face of potential criticism. “If you’re spooked by that, you shouldn’t be in the job,” he asserted, advocating for a forthright stance in international relations.
Overall, Turnbull’s commentary signals a call for both government and opposition to address the complexities of Australia’s relationship with the US and the implications of Trump’s presidency.