'Very pleased' Donald Trump predicted Scott Morrison would win the Australian election - as White House officials admit they're glad Bill Shorten lost
- Mr Morrison, Liberals retained power in a stunning, 'miracle' upset on Saturday
- First day as elected leader of Australia began with a phone call from Mr Trump
- Mr Morrison said Mr Trump had predicted the election result for the Liberals
- Liberal leader's last-minute campaigning in marginal seats echoed Mr Trump
United States President Donald Trump predicted the Coalition's victory in the Australian election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed.
Mr Morrison retained power in a stunning, 'miracle' upset on Saturday despite his Liberal Party consistently trailing in the polls and betting markets.
His first day as the country's elected leader began with a phone call from Mr Trump, who told him he was 'very pleased' at the result.
United States President Donald Trump (pictured with wife Melania) predicted the Coalition's victory in the Australian election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed
Mr Morrison (pictured) retained power in a stunning, 'miracle' upset on Saturday despite his Liberal Party consistently trailing in the polls and betting markets
'He was very congratulatory and very pleased about the outcome. He said that he always thought that it would happen,' Mr Morrison told the Daily Telegraph.
'We'd already struck up a good relationship and looking forward to the certainty of me being in the role for the next three years. We talked about that and I look forward to potentially being there later in the year but certainly getting together at the G20 (leaders summit).'
Mr Morrison's unexpected victory was compared to Mr Trump's in 2016, and his last-minute efforts to campaign in marginal seats also echoed the US President and his tactics three years ago.
The Australian Prime Minister visited five seats in three different states on the eve of the election, while Mr Trump travelled to five American states before holding a midnight rally in Michigan, a crucial swing state.
Senior White House officials told The Australian that Mr Morrison's win was more desirable than a Labor victory.
'We know what we are dealing with and we like it,' one official said.
Mr Shorten had previously called Mr Trump 'barking mad'.
'Does our alliance with America mean that you have to agree with everything they say and do? I don't think so,' Mr Shorten said.
Mr Trump tweeted his congratulations to Mr Morrison saying the election result was a 'GREAT WIN'.
‘Congratulations to Scott on a GREAT WIN,’ Donald Trump tweeted after the election result was announced
A White House spokesperson said Mr Trump called Mr Morrison to discuss their commitment to the relationship between Australia and the United States.
'The two leaders reaffirmed the critical important of the long-standing alliance and friendship between the United States and Australia, and they pledged to continue their close co-operation on shared priorities,' the spokesperson said.
After the election result was announced, Mr Morrison delivered a speech praising God and his family.
'I have always believed in miracles and I'm standing with the three biggest miracles in my life tonight and tonight we've delivered another one,' he said while standing with his wife Jenny and their daughters Abbey and Lily.
A White House spokesperson said Mr Trump (right) called Mr Morrison (left) to discuss their commitment to the relationship between Australia and the United States
