As Donald Trump makes a return to the White House, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in on what a Trump 2.0 administration could mean for Australia.
What is Trump like behind closed doors? And does the outcome of America’s election hint at what we might see in Australia’s next election?
Speaking with The Briefing’s host Bension Siebert, Turnbull shared insights from his firsthand dealings with Trump during his first term, and discussed Trump’s campaign promises.
“He (Trump) is pretty much what you see is what you get. He can be funny, he can be charming, he can also be angry and bully,” Turnbull said.
He said that Trump’s return could influence Australia’s political landscape, as local politicians take cues from his approach.
“I think Dutton will run the strongman argument. Trump marketed himself as the strongman who could take on the nation’s problems and stand up to international dictators and so forth,” he added.
With Australia’s own election on the horizon, Turnbull emphasised the need for careful diplomatic strategy.
Turnbull suggested that Australia’s Liberal Party might adopt some of the culture war tactics Trump employed.
“That didn’t really work very well for Morrison at the last election. I think most Australians regard that as being at the fringe of the fringe.”
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