Trump declares US-AUS relationship ‘perfect’ as world braces for ‘shock and awe’ inauguration

Donald Trump has assured Australia that relations between the two nations are “perfect” as world leaders brace for a “shock and awe” flurry of presidential orders in his first 24 hours in the White House.

Mr Trump will be sworn-in as President for the second time, on Tuesday morning Australian-time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday night that he is confident Australia will not be a target of a trade war that is expected to be one of his early priorities.

“I have had a very constructive discussion with the incoming President when I wished him well on his election,” he told the ABC’s 730.

“I made the point to President Trump the US has enjoyed a trade surplus with Australia since the Truman presidency, it’s been there for a long time.

“So I’m very confident that we’ll work these issues through, because they’re in the interests of both Australia and the United States.

“Very clearly it was a positive discussion that we had. He said that we’ll have a perfect relationship. And I expect the relationship between Australia and the United States will remain strong.”

President-elect Trump has vowed to issue “close to 100” executive orders on his first day in office, including a mass deportation policy set to target major cities and the Mexico border.

He has also announced plans to release classified documents, relating to the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963.

Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso predicted a “shock and awe” impact on the first day of Trump’s second stint as President.

“When President Trump takes office next Monday, there is going to be shock and awe with executive orders. A blizzard of executive orders on the economy, as well as on the border,” he told CBS.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is in Washington to represent Australia at Trump’s inauguration and is scheduled to meet with Trump’s nominee for secretary of state Marco Rubio.