Donald Trump impersonated by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in leaked recording
"The Donald and I, we are winning in the polls, we are winning so much, we are winning in ways we have never won before"
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Australian Prime Minister has performed a skit on stage ridiculing Donald Trump's mannerisms and poking fun at him over “fake polls” and Russia.
Malcolm Turnbull gave the light-hearted speech behind closed doors to a room full of journalists in Canberra at the Australian Parliament’s annual mid-winter ball.
Traditionally remarks from the event are not reported upon, but a recording of the premier's routine leaked online and has now been shared around the world.
In it Mr Turnbull, who leads the Australian Liberal Party, can be heard impersonating the President, who he met for the first time in New York last month.
“It was beautiful. It was the most beautiful putting-me-at-ease ever,” he joked.
“The Donald and I, we are winning and winning in the polls. We are winning so much, we are winning, we are winning in ways we have never won before."
He then alludes to the ongoing investigation into the Trump campaign’s links with Russia, adding: “I have this Russian guy… Believe me, it’s true, it is true.”
Journalist Laurie Oakes, political editor of the Nine Network, leaked details of the speech because he did not attend the event himself and therefore does not believe he should be bound by off–the-record rules.
Mr Turnbull has yet to comment on the leaked recording.
The relationship between the President and the Australian PM did not get off to the best of starts when Mr Trump reportedly told Mr Turnbull he had spoken with four other leaders - including Russian President Vladimir Putin – and that “this was the worst call by far”.
Mr Trump, however, derided reports of a stormy phone conversation between the two as “fake news”.
“They said we had a rough phone call… we didn’t really have a rough phone call. It got a little bit testy. But that’s okay.”
The President then kept Mr Turnbull waiting for three hours before the pair met in New York.
Mr Trump said after that meeting the US had a “fantastic” relationship with Australia.
“I love Australia. I always have,” he said, before stating hew would “absolutely” visit the country as President.
“That will happen. One of the great, great places. One of the most beautiful places on earth,” he said.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments