Donald trump's "insult" to Australia?

Donald Trump’s latest move on trade has ruffled some serious feathers in Washington, with one top US politician calling it an “insult” to Australia.

Democratic congressman Joe Courtney didn’t hold back, slamming Trump’s decision to slap a 25% tariff on Australian steel and aluminium. And his frustration isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the timing.

On Friday, Australia handed over a hefty $798 million to the US as part of the AUKUS deal for nuclear-powered submarines. Then, just two days later, Trump signed off on a tariff that directly hits Aussie exports.

Courtney, who plays a key role on the powerful Armed Services Committee, made his feelings clear.

"The first cheque was delivered on Friday … and two days later, what do we see? A 25 per cent tariff on steel and all products coming from Australia into the US,” he said.

"What we're seeing is a completely needless, almost insult, to the people of Australia."

Now, there’s a chance Australia could be let off the hook. After a phone call with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Trump has said an exemption is “under consideration.”

Albanese described their chat as “very constructive and warm”, and pointed out that the US actually benefits from trade with Australia, with a surplus that’s been in place since the Truman administration.

Still, Trump didn’t waste any time—despite the conversation, he went ahead and signed the blanket tariff on all imported steel and aluminium.

The stakes are high for Australia. Each year, we send about $500 million worth of aluminium and $600 million worth of iron and steel to the US. And beyond that, Trump’s move could have an even bigger indirect impact on Aussie iron ore exports—our largest industry—if it disrupts global steel production.

That said, Innes Willox, CEO of the Australian Industry Group, remains hopeful that Australia will score an exemption.

"We're a big trading partner with the US, we have a huge security relationship, and a free trade deal in place," he told Today.

"All of this puts us on solid footing to get exempted here. But... we’re dealing with the new President Trump."

This phone call between Albanese and Trump was the first time they’ve spoken in three months. Now, all eyes are on whether Australia will get a pass—or if this tariff is here to stay.