Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has scored Anthony Albanese's White House meeting with Donald Trump a perfect 10/10, praising the prime minister's handling of the visit. However, he warned that Trump's emphatic endorsement of Aukus does not change his view that the submarine pact is a "bad deal" for Australia that may never deliver the promised US-built boats.
Speaking to Guardian Australia, Turnbull said Trump's "warm words" did not alter the reality that the US is not producing enough Virginia-class submarines to meet its obligations. He noted the US Navy estimates it needs to build about 2.33 submarines a year to supply Australia from the early 2030s, but is currently building at a rate of roughly 1.13 a year. "Unless there is a more than doubling of US attack submarine production they simply will not be able to spare any for us," he said.
Turnbull, who clashed with Trump during his own premiership, also dismissed criticism of Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, after Trump's "tongue-in-cheek" rebuke over Rudd's past remarks. "I'm pleased that Albanese kept him there and I'm pleased he took him to the meeting – it showed strength," Turnbull said.
During the meeting, after being reminded of Rudd's criticisms, Trump quipped, "I don't like you either, and I probably never will," prompting laughter. Rudd apologised, and Trump later assured him that "all is forgiven", according to Australian sources. Opposition deputy leader Sussan Ley had earlier described Rudd's position as "untenable" after the sharp exchange, but acting prime minister Richard Marles said Rudd deserved credit for the outcome, declaring Aukus was "happening".
