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United States President Donald Trump said he’s “very friendly” with Anthony Albanese and has a good relationship with the re-elected prime minister.
But Trump did not answer a question from an Australian journalist as to whether the ‘Trump factor’ played a part in Labor’s election victory.
Trump was initially asked by a journalist with Nine newspapers: “The Australian elections, Mr President. The conservatives did very badly, just like in Canada. They’re saying it’s the Trump effect again.”
“Albanese, I’m very friendly with,” Trump responded.
“I don’t know anything about the [Australian] election other than … the man that won, he’s very good. He’s a friend of mine.”
When asked about the issue of tariffs, Trump said he and Albanese enjoyed a “good relationship”.
“I can only say that he’s been very, very nice to me, very respectful to me,” he said.
“I have no idea who the other person is that ran against him.”
In April, Australia’s growth outlook was slashed by a major international body as Trump’s sent markets into a tailspin.
Albanese downplayed concerns Australia could face an economic downturn as a result, and said he would seek a phone call with Trump on tariff negotiations after the election.
Trump had last week indicated he would speak to Albanese.
“They are calling and I will be talking to him, yes,” he told reporters when asked about the election and bilateral trade.
The US sent its congratulations to Albanese via secretary of state Marco Rubio.
“The United States looks forward to deepening its relationship with Australia to advance our common interests and promote freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific and globally.”
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