Albanese has ‘very warm’ call with Trump, who says he has ‘no idea’ who Dutton is
Guardian3 days
Trump Praises Albanese in Post-Election Call
Above: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and fiancée Jodie Haydon (R) visit Bar Italia in Leichhardt on May 4, 2025, in Sydney, the day after his election victory. Image copyright: Asanka Ratnayake/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Australian Labor Party narrative
The Trump effect clearly damaged conservative prospects in Australia, just as it did in Canada. Dutton's "Trump-lite" approach backfired spectacularly with voters rejecting his plans to slash public services and his 'make Australia great again' rhetoric. Albanese's steady leadership resonated at a time of global tumult, with voters preferring his measured approach over Dutton's chaotic, imported American-style politics.
Liberal/National Coalition narrative
Claims of a "Trump effect" hurting conservatives are overblown political spin. Dutton repeatedly distanced himself from Trump's agenda during the campaign, and polling showed voters actually saw the Coalition as better equipped to handle relations with Trump. The real issues were domestic concerns like housing and healthcare, not international politics. Albanese's victory had nothing to do with Trump and everything to do with local Australian issues.