Donald Trump salutes ‘richest man in Australia'
US President Donald Trump has paid tribute to one of his favourite Australians during an event at the White House's grand foyer this week.
Cardboard box tzar Anthony Pratt was among about 80 business leaders invited to Washington for Mr Trump to thank for investing in American industry on Wednesday.
Melbourne-raised Mr Pratt, who now lives in the US, has committed AU$7.82 billion to create 5000 jobs in rust-belt states – a move that has earned the President's favour.
'Executive global chairman of Pratt Industries, friend of mine, Anthony Pratt – he's investing $US5 billion, thank you,' Mr Trump told the crowd.
'I read a report that he's the richest man in Australia, but who the hell knows. Do you think you're the richest man in Australia?'
Mr Pratt, who is according to Forbes the eighth wealthiest Australian, appeared to hesitate and gestured he was not sure, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Mr Trump went on to say Visy chair was 'close' to being the richest.
'I don't like to put you on the spot like that, Anthony, but that's pretty good'.
Axios reported Mr Pratt's investments would target 'key industrial states' like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona.
'To make America great again, we need to make in America again,' he said.
'That's why I'm proud to support the president's call to re-industrialise America and again make the US the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.'
Mr Trump's praise was a far cry from previous remarks about Mr Pratt, who he once called a 'red-haired weirdo' during a media scandal in 2023.
The President had reportedly shared details about US nuclear submarines with the Pratt Industries boss while at Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in 2021.
Mr Pratt was identified as a potential witness in a now abandoned trial over Mr Trump's alleged handling of classified documents.
Mr Pratt's company has dozens of factories in the States which supply major US organisations such as Walmart, Home Depot and the US Postal Service.
He is worth a reported AU$11 billion, and a member of Mar-a-Lago.
The billionaire matched Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart in taking out a full-page ad in the New York Times to congratulate Mr Trump on his election victory earlier this year.
'I'm honoured to support your call to make America great again by bringing manufacturing jobs home,' Mr Pratt's ad read.
'We have built 70 factories in America and under your leadership we will invest billions more to create thousands of American manufacturing jobs.'
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TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." 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PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms." World leaders have reacted to Israel's large-scale strike on Iranian targets, with the UN secretary-general urging both sides to show maximum restraint. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: "We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history. "Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat." AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER: "The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God's grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces won't let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see." MARCO RUBIO, US SECRETARY OF STATE: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel." SPOKESPERSON FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway. "The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford." OMAN, WHICH IS MEDIATING IRAN-US NUCLEAR TALKS: "Oman considers this act a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behaviour is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security." "The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action." MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL: "This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate." RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY: "I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond. "I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran." FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR: "We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region." JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability. "We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack." LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: "China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation. "China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation." TURKEY Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts". KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER: "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy." PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions. "We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy." TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER: "Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable. "The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation." JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER: "Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel. "So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region." SAUDI ARABIA: "Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms."
