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How Australia's prime minister got through to Donald Trump thanks to . . . Greg Norman?
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We know Greg Norman is one of Australia's most famous sportsmen. But apparently, he's also one of his country's most important statesmen.
According to the Sydney's The Daily Telegraph, Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was the second world leader to call Donald Trump after he won the Presidential election. How did Turnbull get through to the new President-elect? Thanks to Norman passing along his friend's number through Australia's ambassador to the U.S., Joe Hockey.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to facilitate the connection between P.M. Turnbull and President-elect Trump at the request of Ambassador Hockey,” Norman said in a statement. “I have great respect for both men who have been voted in by the people of their respective countries and I am fortunate enough to call Mr. Trump a friend, so I was happy to put them in touch to further the incredible long-standing relationship the two countries have experienced."
Turnbull was complimentary of Norman as well, describing The Shark as "a great advocate for strengthening the Australian-American alliance."
Here's Norman meeting with Turnbull in September.
Turnbull said he had a "very frank" 15-minute phone call with Trump just hours after he won the election. Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi is believed to be the only world leader to get through to the President-elect quicker.
Norman said he's been in touch with Trump "on numerous occasions since the election and I think he will surprise many with what he will do with the presidency" in a piece he wrote for Newsweek. We'll have to wait and see if that comes true, but in the meantime, if you need to get in touch with Donald Trump, try getting ahold of Greg Norman first.