PM backs Donald Trump as an ‘American patriot’

MALCOLM Turnbull has stepped in to defend the US President following outrage over his handling of Vladimir Putin, telling Miranda Live Donald Trump is representing his country to the best of his ability.

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Donald Trump is an American Patriot” who is representing his country to the best of his ability.

The comments were in response to a question on Miranda Live this afternoon where Mr Turnbull was asked if President Trump was a traitor after his press conference with Vladimir Putin.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE:

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with Miranda Devine in studio.

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“Of course not. Donald Trump is a patriot,” he said.

“ He’s an American patriot and his job is representing his country and he’s doing that to the best of his ability just like I represent my country Australia to the best of my ability.

“I think he’s doing exactly what he said he’s seeking to do, he believes it’s better to talk to people and to engage with them and again this obviously has been highly controversial in America and I don’t run a commentary on Australian politics let alone American Politics”.

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump met one-on-one in Helsinki. Picture: Chris McGrath

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Mr Turnbull also revealed how his relationship with Mr Putin had soured in recent years.

“Putin said at one point in his press conference don’t trust anyone, I think that’s good advice and I certainly don’t trust Vladimir Putin when he says he or the Russian Army had nothing to do with the downing of MH17 which was 4 years ago today. So as far as Russian interference in the American election, I find the evidence presented by the American intelligence community that have formed the a basis of the actions being taken in the US very compelling but obviously people have different views. But they’ve both got a justice system and an investigation that will no doubt be determined in accordance with the law.”

The PM also vowed to honor the Australian divers involved in the Thai cave rescue.

Mr Turnbull said he welcomed Chinese investment in Australia and talked down speculation China was trying to be the “big dog” in the pacific region.

“We welcome Chinese investment and we welcome it in the region so the important thing is to not get caught up, there is a tendency to paint everything in terms of conflict, almost to try and recreate the cold war that’s not the case we have a very productive constructive relationship with China and it gets stronger all the time but it is also one where clearly we have our values, our political values which are different to China and we protect our interest just as China protects its,” he told Miranda Live host Miranda Devine.

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He also vowed to honor the heroic Australian divers who helped save the 12 boys in Thailand.

“We do have some things in mind but all will be revealed in due course but I can assure you ... we will make sure they are recognised I mean I tell you Australians are so proud of them,” he said.

Australian divers Dr Richard Harris and Craig Challen.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a little band of Australians working in such a complicated situation under such a media spotlight that I can recall, because there’s a lot of Australians who do very dangerous things around the world particularly in our armed forces and our special forces in particular.

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“But these guys were doing this under the glare of every television camera on earth and so how they maintained their calm and composure and then just quietly step by step used all of that training they’ve had for so many years, to save all those kids and the coach

“Yes I think they showed the very best of us. They showed the very best of what Australians can be. And we’re proud of them.”