Donald Trump has launched a sharp criticism of former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, branding him "weak and ineffective" on social media. The scathing remarks, posted on March 10, 2025, on Trump's preferred platform, Truth Social, were provoked by Turnbull's recent interview with Bloomberg, where he suggested Trump's leadership was benefitting China's President Xi Jinping.
"Malcolm Turnbull, the former Prime Minister of Australia who was always leading ‘that wonderful country from behind,’ never understood what was going on in China, nor did he have the capacity to do so," Trump wrote. He continued, "I always thought he was a weak and ineffective leader and, obviously, Australian’s [sic] agreed with me!!!" This harsh critique highlights the continuing tensions between the two men, rooted partly in their past interactions during Turnbull's premiership.
Turnbull, who served as Prime Minister from 2015 to 2018, fired back during his appearance on the ABC's 7.30 program, insisting the world needed to recognize Trump's impact on international relations. He argued, "The reality is if you suck up to bullies, whether it is the global affairs, or in the playground, you just get more bullying." He emphasized the potential consequences of Trump's erratic behavior for global alliances, particularly the growing power of China.
During the Bloomberg interview, Turnbull explained, "What China will do is they will say they'll be the opposite of Trump: where Trump is erratic, they'll be consistent; where Trump is rude and abusive, they'll be respectful." He pointed out how Trump's chaotic leadership style could lead countries to view China as a more stable partner, thereby increasing its influence.
The backdrop to this exchange is Australia's current diplomatic challenge, as the Albanese government awaits Trump's decision on requests for exemption from tariffs on aluminum and steel. Dealing with the potential impact of these tariffs, which could threaten jobs and strain the trade relationship between the United States and Australia, Trade Minister Don Farrell stated, "Australia and the United States are trusted partners and we are using every opportunity to make known to our friends in America the immense benefits of our partnership." Yet, the mood remains pessimistic, with Turnbull noting obtaining exemptions this time will likely be much more difficult.
"Trump will be being told, and I suspect he’ll conclude himself, let’s not give one country one exemption," Turnbull explained, "because then you have to give another and another. And before long there are too many exemptions and you haven’t got much of a tariff. So I suspect it will be on everybody." This marks a stark shift from earlier, successful negotiations during Trump’s first term, when Turnbull secured such exemptions.
Importantly, the conflict between Trump and Turnbull reflects broader concerns about the international order and alliances. Turnbull's comments highlight anxieties not just for Australia, but for nations worldwide who find themselves balancing relationships with the United States and China. Further complicate matter, Turnbull believes Trump's behavior is not Catalyzing loyalty but instead coercing allies. He noted Trump's treatment of Canada as "unprecedented," referring to the efforts employed to threaten the Canadian economy.
Turnbull reiterated, "If Trump abuses them, seeks to bully them... they will edge closer to China." This sentiment was echoed throughout his statements, where he warned of leaving allies with little choice but to turn to China for partnership, potentially reshaping international alignments.
Looking forward, Turnbull has organized a significant conference scheduled for March 31, 2025, to discuss the future of Australia’s alliances and AUKUS amid these shifts. Apart from addressing the immediate concerns over tariffs, the impending conference will also look at how countries can navigate the current political climate under Trump's second term.
For Australia, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the apparent risks of aggressive domestic policies from the United States and the simultaneous rise of China, securing favorable terms during negotiations or avoiding pitfalls could have long-lasting consequences for national security and economic stability. The Albanese government is poised to engage actively, aiming to work constructively with the Trump administration, but uncertainties loom large.
Turnbull has expressed skepticism about the potential for success, reiteratively clarifying his concerns about sycophantic attitudes among world leaders. "Look at the business with Greenland; it’s simply ludicrous. Are we just going to become a conga line of sycophants, paying homage to this guy and telling him he’s a genius?” This question resonates deeply as leaders, including those from Australia, navigate their approach to dealing with Trump.
Trump's relentless unpredictability, coupled with his populist rhetoric, poses both challenges and opportunities for countries dependent upon American leadership. Now, as the geopolitical stage shifts, it becomes more urgent than ever for nations to align strategies both for immediate trade needs and long-term diplomatic relations.
Expectations are running high, but as Turnbull has shown, the dialogue is fraught with tension, stakes remain elevated, and the future remains uncertain. The coming weeks and months will clarify how these intertwined narratives of democracy, trade, and strategic partnership will evolve, as Australia hopes to find its footing on the global stage amid turbulent international politics.