THỦ TƯỜNG ÚC CHỌC QUÊ DONALD TRUMP BẰNG CÁCH NHÁI CHỮ "FAKE POLLS" CỦA TRUMP./-TCL

'We've got to lighten up': Turnbull in damage control after leaked video of him mocking Trump

AAP on June 15, 2017, 7:50 pm

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Malcolm Turnbull has laughed off leaked footage of him mimicking Donald Trump, insisting politics is a stressful business and "we've got to lighten up".

VIDEO Footage released shows Turnbull mocking Trump. Source: 7 News

The footage and audio, released by veteran political journalist Laurie Oakes, was taken during Mr Turnbull's off-the-record address to the press gallery's annual Midwinter Ball in Parliament House.
The prime minister is disappointed the material has found its way into the public domain, but took the leak in his stride.
"I guess what that means is next year at the Midwinter Ball I will read selected passages from budget paper number two," the prime minister told 3AW radio on Thursday.
He criticised Mr Oakes for defying standard practice and releasing the footage.

The footage and audio was taken during Mr Turnbull's off-the-record address to the press gallery's annual Midwinter Ball in Parliament House. Picture: 7 News

The prime minister is disappointed the material has found its way into the public domain. Picture: 7 News

Turnbull took aim at Trump's view of 'fake polls'. Picture: 7 News

"It's a breach of protocol, it's a breach of faith and all those things, but you know it's lighthearted, it's affectionate, good-natured and the butt of my jokes was myself," Mr Turnbull said.
During Wednesday night's speech, Mr Turnbull made fun of his meeting with the US president in New York in May.
"It was beautiful. It was the most beautiful putting-me-at-ease ever," he joked.
The prime minister even does a Trump impersonation.
"The Donald and I, we are winning and winning in the polls. We are winning so much, we are winning, we are winning like we have never won before," he says.
Mr Turnbull also makes reference to a "Russian guy" who can make online polls look much better than the "fake polls" in the mainstream media.

Donald Trump is yet to respond to the video. Picture: AAP

It's a reference to allegations Moscow interfered in the US presidential election.
Mr Turnbull hosed down concerns the footage may anger the president.

"It's fun, you've got to have a laugh, we've got to lighten up. (It's a) stressful business politics Tom. You've got to be cheerful," he told 3AW host Tom Elliot.
The US Embassy is not bothered by the prime minister's speech.
"We understand that last night's event is equivalent to our own White House Correspondents' Dinner," an embassy spokesperson said.

Malcolm Turnbull was at the annual Midwinter Ball at parliament. Picture: AAP

"We take this with the good humour that was intended."
Mr Oakes, who wasn't at the ball, says it's "ridiculous" that journalists can't report what's said at the ball.
But Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery president Andrew Meares is not amused.
"The event has a long tradition of being a light-hearted evening with a strong tone of self deprecation. The leaders' speeches this year reflected this sentiment brilliantly," he said.
"The ball committee is disappointed that some guests at the ball have not complied with the non-publication request."