Opinion: What Donald Trump’s conversation with Malcolm Turnbull tells us
TWO significant conclusions can be drawn from the leaked transcript of the phone conversation between Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull.
Opinion
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TWO significant conclusions can be drawn from the release of the transcript of the phone conversation between Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull conducted soon after the new United States President’s inauguration in late January.
We gain a deep insight into Mr Turnbull’s negotiating style, deploying flattery aimed at Mr Trump’s strong self belief as a deal-making businessman.
We also see Mr Trump’s sharp political antennae and his keen fear of upsetting his voter base — he continually refers to the damage that will be done to him if he follows through with Barack Obama’s hurried agreement to take about 1250 asylum seekers from Nauru and Manus Island.
Mr Trump’s insistence is forceful and seemingly unrelenting.
“I have had it. I have been making these calls all day and this is the most unpleasant call all day. Putin was a pleasant call. This is ridiculous.”
When Mr Trump asked for an explanation, Mr Turnbull said it was to act as a deterrent against further flows of asylum seekers.
“That (putting asylum seekers in offshore detention centres) is a good idea,” Mr Trump said.
“We should do that too. You are worse than I am.”
This transcript shows us Mr Turnbull is no pushover in a negotiation, sticking to his objective with calm determination.
The other important thing to take from this is that the Australian-American relationship is extraordinarily strong and enduring.
It’s hard to think of any other country — with the possible exception of Britain — that the US would give a pass to on a deal which a fresh president regards as “stupid” and would make Mr Trump look “like a dope”.
Mr Trump will be furious he has been blindsided by another leak from inside his administration — one that’s aimed at raking over old coals that were damaging to him when these conversations were first revealed.
Mr Turnbull, on the other hand, will be quietly pleased his tough, single-mindedness has been laid out for everyone to see.
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