Labor's worst anti-Trump attacks exposed as US alliance in jeopardy
SkyNews.com.au has uncovered the worst posts made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his most senior ministers about US President Donald Trump, which experts warn have 'sabotaged' relationships and plunged Australia into diplomatic crisis.
At least a dozen senior ministers have publicly attacked Donald Trump on social media, with some politicians describing him as a threat to democracy and a liar.
In posts from 2021, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on the former Morrison government to publicly condemn Trump and accused him of inciting violence.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, whose role involves dealing with the Trump administration, alleged that he had 'incited violence', and that he was 'bad for allies'.
Attacks ranged from allegations Trump was stoking 'fear and rage' to engaging in 'anti-democratic actions', while in one childish criticism, a senior minister mocked Trump as a liar who wore a "toupee".
The Labor politicians made the comments on social media at a time when it appeared unlikely that the US President would return for a second term.
But experts have since said the White House would be acutely aware of the social media rhetoric and warned it has destabilised relations. Read the social media posts that could undermine the alliance
Labor figures holding some of the most senior roles in government, including Mr Albanese, used their time in opposition to launch scathing attacks on President Trump.
The ministers often accused the US President of anti-democratic behaviour and aligned him with the 'far right' of politics, likening Coalition leaders to him as an insult.
Mr Albanese, while opposition leader in 2021, accused President Trump of 'anti-democratic' actions, peddling 'nonsense' and encouraging 'violent insurrection'.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong was similarly critical, saying, 'Donald Trump undermined American democracy'.
She was filmed in 2021 saying the US President was 'prepared to trash alliances and partnerships for personal political interest'. — Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) January 12, 2021
Treasurer Jim Chalmers endorsed the view that 'Trumpism puts Australia in danger' and shared with his followers that President Trump was brought to power by 'fear and rage'.
Education Minister Jason Clare at the time described former prime minister Scott Morrison's political style as 'Trump without the toupee'.
He said the 'Trump playbook' involved 'lying, denying, never taking responsibility' and 'pandering to the extreme right'.
Resources Minister Madeleine King admitted, 'Oh I hate the idea of following Trump on Twitter… but I think I might have to'.
Communications Minister Anika Wells questioned what kind of world her daughter would grow up in after President Trump was elected.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres described Trump's politics as 'far-right' and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned against introducing 'the politics of Trump to Australia.'
Environment Minister Murray Watt, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman and Assistant Minister for Women Rebecca White all made similarly unflattering remarks. Trump administration aware of attacks
Former Trump campaign insider Brent Buchanan told Sky News that the US administration would be aware of the verbal attacks, and they won't be forgotten.
The revelations come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remains unable to secure a meeting with President Trump and the US alliance is called into question.
Founder of the polling firm Cygnal, Mr Buchanan confirmed the Trump administration would be aware of the numerous anti-Trump comments made by the ministers.
"I don't expect Trump himself pays much attention to what ministers say, but I can tell you his team does,' Mr Buchanan said.
'When it comes time to interact with the Australian government, they'll give him an update because he wants to know what motivates people.
'And if the Left in Australia suffers from some form of international Trump Derangement Syndrome, that'll frame his thinking and dealings.'
Mr Buchanan also warned there is a difference between 'trading political barbs during a campaign' and 'personal attacks on the world stage'.
He warned that the government's tone may risk undermining diplomatic relations 'at a time when the US-Australian alliance is so important amid several security challenges.' Labor's 'deep-seated anti-American sentiment'
Senior fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs and former Washington correspondent Adam Creighton told Sky News the long-standing US-Australia relationship was at a 'low ebb'.
'There is a deep-seated anti-American sentiment that is shared by numerous senior members of the federal government,' he said.
'This disdain for our most important ally leaves us vulnerable and demonstrates we are poor partners in trade and security.
'The last thing Australia needs is a federal government that is deliberately sabotaging our long-term relationships with trusted partners, particularly our number one ally, the United States.'
Mr Creighton also pointed to Mr Albanese's decision to stick with Kevin Rudd as ambassador to the US despite the fact the Trump administration has little time for him.
Mr Rudd was recently deemed the 'biggest issue' blocking any future meeting between Mr Albanese and President Trump.
'Many have said for a long time that Kevin Rudd will be persona non grata in the Trump administration — and this has proven to be true,' he said.
'The Prime Minister is delusional if he thinks Kevin Rudd is the best person to represent Australia in Washington DC.
'Why is the Prime Minister undermining our national security by sticking with Rudd when he has proven to have absolutely no ability to work with President Trump?' Albanese 'not worried'
While the Albanese government has claimed the alliance with the US remains solid, Mr Albanese has been incapable of organising a meeting with President Trump.
Their previously scheduled meeting at the G7 was abruptly cancelled and President Trump did not contact Mr Albanese afterwards, despite contacting other world leaders.
Speaking at Sky News' Australia's Economic Outlook forum on Friday, he insisted that a meeting with President Trump would take place before the end of the year.
'Well, of course we will have meetings, there will be a range of meetings between now and the end of the year with President Trump,' he said.
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