By Malik Smith
Image Courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov
Just recently, Trump held phone conversations with five different world leaders; one of them was Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, which according to reports, didn’t end too well.
Without a doubt, Australia and the United States have maintained what former U.S. President Obama considered to be “a great alliance” for many decades. The two countries have fought together side by side against terrorism, bonded through intelligence and cultural ties, and invested billions of dollars in trade.
But now, after what sources claimed to be a heated conversation between President Trump and PM Turnbull has taken place, the strong relationship between the two nations may have been weakened.
U.S. officials told the Washington Post that Trump scolded Turnbull regarding illegal refugees being transported to Nauru and Manus Island from Australia due to a deal that was made with the country through the Obama administration, insisting one of the refugees may be the next Boston bomber.
During the phone conversation, Trump reportedly told the Australian leader that he had had four conservations with foreign leaders that day, and “This was the worst call by far.”
Then, he abruptly ended the call.
Prime Minister Turnbull has remained quiet mostly throughout this defective scandal, but he did deny the allegations of Trump hanging up.
Trump assured that the tone and all around vibe of the conversation with the prime minister, was completely valid and necessary.
Trump stated “When you hear about the tough phone calls I’m having, don’t worry about it. Just don’t worry about it. We have to be tough. It’s time we’re going to be a little tough, folks. We’re taken advantage of by every nation in the world, virtually. It’s not going to happen anymore. It’s not going to happen anymore.”
Could this objectionable attitude brought on by the President cause a shift in foreign relations?