Trump Criticizes Former Australian PM Turnbull as Tariff Decision Looms

The Albanese government faces an uphill battle to secure a US exemption from steel and aluminium tariffs set to take effect March 12.

Donald Trump called former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull a 'weak and ineffective leader' in a Truth Social post, responding to Turnbull's recent criticism of Trump's leadership style.
Turnbull, in a Bloomberg interview, warned that Trump's chaotic approach to international relations could benefit China and harm US allies.
The Albanese government is working to secure an exemption from a 25% US tariff on steel and aluminium, but officials are increasingly pessimistic about their chances ahead of the March 12 deadline.
Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd and senior trade officials have been lobbying American counterparts, emphasizing Australia's trade surplus with the US and mutual economic benefits.
Turnbull, who secured a similar exemption in 2018, noted that the current political environment under Trump makes negotiations significantly more challenging for Australia.