A Senate finance committee hearing in the US witnessed one of Donald Trump's trade chiefs come under fire over tariffs, with the representative admitting to "running up the score" on Australia.

Tensions have risen in the United States Senate, with one senator calling the decision to impose tariffs on Australia “insulting”, saying it undermined national security and damaged relationships.

"The idea that we are going to whack friend and foe alike — and particularly friends — with this level [of tariffs] is both insulting the Australians, undermines our national security, and frankly makes us not a good partner going forward.

"The lack of trust from friends and allies based upon this ridiculous policy that goes into full effect at midnight tonight is extraordinary.

(not sure where best to post this since it’s Australian… foreign politics?)

  • Salvo@aussie.zoneEnglish
    2·
    1 month ago

    There was a political parody comedy radio series in the 80s called “How Green was my Cactus”.

    I remember a negotiation between “King Bonza” (Bob Hawke) and a simulacrum of Reagan discussing letting Australia win the Americas Cup yacht race.

    KB “Let us win or we’ll force you to tell us what’s at Pine Gap”. R “you will need to force us to tell you where it is first” KB “Then we will send Don Lane home” R “no! Anything but that! OK, you win”