2016 US election: Norman’s help ‘par for the course’

GOLFER Greg Norman says he put Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in touch with Donald Trump for the good of his country.

Donald Trump and Greg Norman.

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GOLFER Greg Norman says he put Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in touch with Donald Trump for the good of his country.

The sporting great and golf buddy of Mr Trump said it was an “honour” to help connect the two leaders by providing the President-elect’s private number.

“I was happy to put them in touch to further the incredible longstanding relationship the two countries have experienced,” Norman said. “I am confident Australia and the United States will continue to work together in the same close spirit that they always have.”

The Trump/Norman relationship helped set up Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull’s call to the US president-elect. Picture: AAP

President-elect Donald Trump and Greg Norman met on the green. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Trump slapped down US reports that his calls with foreign leaders were “haphazard”.

Citing Australia as an example of the “many foreign leaders” he had received and taken calls from, he said: “I am always available.”

Donald Trump and Greg Norman.

The Daily Telegraph has exclusively revealed Mr Turnbull was able to become just the second world leader to congratulate Mr Trump, thanks to Norman’s personal links.

But while he was able to jump the queue, another prominent US ally, British Prime Minister Theresa May, was forced to wait 24 hours before chatting to Mr Trump.

Mr Turnbull, a multi-millionaire businessman like Mr Norman, hailed the golfer as a “great Australian” committed to the alliance.

“One of our greatest assets is the more than a million Australians who live overseas. Greg is one of them,’’ he said. “He is a great advocate for strengthening the Australian-US alliance.”

Mr Turnbull denied not having Mr Trump’s personal number because he had overlooked his chances of winning the presidency. He said diplomacy was about using “lots of networks” and the golfer was “a great help”.

Greg Norman’s Instagram snaps honouring his meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Picture: Supplied

The Prime Minister said Australia’s alliance with the US was about “people to people” links. “Greg is one of those and he’s a great Australian and very committed to a very strong relationship. He wants Australia to succeed, America to succeed and, if we both succeed, that’ll be good for the world, too,” he said.

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Norman said he admired both leaders. “I have great respect for both men who have been voted in by the people of their respective countries and I am fortunate enough to call Mr Trump a friend,” he said.

Mr Turnbull said he refrained from involvement in the US election, in contrast to Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who said Mr Trump was not fit to be president.

“I don’t think anyone was more careful than me in staying out of the US election,’’ he said. “There were a few other people in politics, particularly in the opposition ranks, who decided to engage in it.”

Mr Turnbull said he hoped the relationship with America would remain stronger than ever under a Trump presidency.

Kushy job set to keep things in the family

DONALD Trump’s son-in-law looks poised for a senior role at the White House — and could do the job for free.

Jared Kushner, who is married to the President-elect’s eldest daughter Ivanka, is said to be considering a role as a senior adviser or ­special counsel, ­according to insiders.

Ivanka Trump. Picture: Getty Images

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner on their wedding day. Picture: Supplied

Mr Kushner, 35, who worked closely with Mr Trump on the campaign trail, has become a major player in the transition-to-government team and is a key confidant of the billionaire.

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And The Wall Street Journal reported while federal anti-nepotism laws could prevent him from taking the job, he has “indicated he would avoid the issue by not taking pay for any White House work”.

US president-elect Donald Trump. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Trump yesterday hosted more meetings at Trump Tower in New York — including a visit from boxer Floyd Mayweather — as he worked on securing key government appointments and planning his transition to power.

The nature of Mayweather’s visit was unclear, but he joins an eclectic list of guests to visit Mr Trump this week, including his ex-wife Marla Maples, the owner of the New England Patriots American football team Robert Kraft, pro skateboarder Billy Rohan and former political foe Ted Cruz.

— Anna Caldwell