Trump arrangements syndrome
The Albanese government is dodging and weaving about what a possible second Donald Trump presidency, and his criminal convictions, mean for relations with the US.
From almost the moment he left the White House, the United States’ allies began preparing for a possible second Donald Trump presidency — and that includes Australia.
But now that Trump has been convicted on 34 counts by a New York court, and with polls showing there is a possibility — perhaps even a likelihood — that he will win November's election, the question of how the Australian government would approach his return to power has become even more urgent and complicated.
Since the convictions, the Albanese government has brushed aside questions by treating them as a legal matter, suggesting it would be inappropriate to comment on court processes overseas.
But the legal process in the US has already played out. Trump is a convicted felon — albeit one who is appealing. The real questions for the Albanese government now are political and diplomatic, not legal. Suggesting anything else is sleight of hand, aimed at deterring the press pack from asking more difficult questions.
