The war of words between former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and US President Donald Trump has sparked a heated debate, with some calling for Turnbull to “shut up” and let the current government handle foreign issues.
But what’s really going on, and how could this feud affect Australia’s national interest?
The Background: A Tale of Two Leaders
It all started when Turnbull warned on Bloomberg TV that the Trump administration’s actions were inadvertently playing into the hands of China.
Trump fired back, describing Turnbull as a “weak and ineffective leader” who “never understood” what was going on in China.
The exchange has left many wondering whether Turnbull’s comments were helpful or hurtful to Australia’s cause.
The Albanese Government’s Dilemma
As the Albanese government tries to negotiate an exemption from looming US steel and aluminium tariffs, Turnbull’s comments have been seen as a potential distraction.
Today show host Sarah Abo suggested that former prime ministers should stay out of foreign issues, saying “honestly, former prime ministers just need to shut up.”
Abo argued that Turnbull’s comments could jeopardize Australia’s bid for a tariff exemption, which is crucial for the country’s steel and aluminium industries.
The Steel and Aluminium Tariffs: A High-Stakes Game
The tariffs exemption is a high-priority issue for Australia, with over 100,000 jobs relying on the steel and aluminium industries.
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese needs to take a more proactive approach to negotiate with the US, rather than just “working the phones.”
McKenzie suggested that Albanese should travel to the US to negotiate the tariffs in person.
Turnbull Doubles Down: A “Bully” in the White House?
Turnbull has refused to back down, accusing Trump of being a “bully” and saying that Australia should not kowtow to the US president’s demands.
In an interview on ABC’s 7.30, Turnbull said that international leaders who have tried to appease Trump have been “run over.”
He argued that Australia needs to stand up for itself and speak truth to power, rather than trying to curry favor with the US president.
The Verdict: Should Turnbull Have Spoken Out?
While some have criticized Turnbull for speaking out, others see his comments as a necessary dose of reality.
As Australia navigates a complex web of international relationships, the question remains: should former prime ministers stay out of foreign policy, or do they have a role to play in shaping the national conversation?
One thing is certain – the Trump-Turnbull feud has sparked a lively debate about Australia’s place in the world, and the country’s relationship with its most important ally.