It’s been widely reported that Donald Trump threw his proverbial toys out of the pram when he spoke to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Political sources told The Washington Post that the recent phone call between the two world leaders was anything but diplomatic, with Trump laying into the PM over the refugee deal between Australia and then-US president, Barack Obama.
The new president was allegedly furious with Turnbull, accusing Australia of trying to export “the next Boston bombers” in the refugee deal with America, which involves a commitment for the US to take 1,250 refugees from Nauru.
He reportedly called it the worst deal ever” and he also slammed it publicly on Twitter, calling it “dumb”.
It is also claimed that he told Turnbull this would mean he’s “going to get killed” politically and that Australia were seeking to export the “next Boston bomber.”
Trump allegedly hung up the phone after 25 minutes, even though the call was scheduled for an hour.
Many viewed Turnbull as weak afterwards, with Canadian media even urging Justin Trudeau “Don’t do a Malcolm” when their PM was due to meet the POTUS.
However, new US sources have now claimed President Trump was impressed by Turnbull’s demeanour.
Speaking to The Australian’s Simon Benson, sources said Trump told a senior staff member he was impressed Turnbull’s uncompromising response to the deal.
“There is a brawler there,” Trump is believed to have told the staff member. “Not what I expected of him. He is no shrinking poppy (sic).’’ (We assume he meant shrinking violet.)
Trump then said he had “no issues with the Aussies”.
Of course, with Turnbull adamant he won’t reveal what was discussed during the call, we can only speculate.
