Scott Morrison criticised for two words in 'embarrassing' Donald Trump post

Former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has raised eyebrows after posting a photo alongside US presidential candidate Donald Trump who is vying for another term in the White House while fending off a historic indictment for misusing campaign funds to bribe a porn star and staring down three other criminal prosecutions.

While such legal troubles would've almost certainly disqualified any other presidential hopeful in US history, for Donald Trump it is simply par the course. Much to the chagrin of his critics, his loyal supporters, fans and even political sycophants care little for his transgressions, no matter how frequently he falls afoul of the law or how many of his associates end up in jail.

And those critics couldn't help but notice that charity on offer when Morrison gloated overnight about catching up with Trump.

But it was two words in particular that raised eyebrows and sparked a wave of scorn and criticism.

"Was pleased to meet with former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night at his private residence in NY. It was nice to catch up again, especially given the pile on he is currently dealing with in the US," he wrote, ostensibly referring to Trump's myriad legal problems.

"Was also a good opportunity to discuss AUKUS, which received a warm reception. We also discussed the continuing assertions of China in the Indo-Pacific and the threats against Taiwan," he continued before thanking the former US president for "the invitation to stay in touch".

Guardian Australia political journalist Amy Remeikis was among those to call out the generous turn of phrase used by the former Liberal leader.

"'Pile on' sure is an interesting way of saying 'four indictments and 80-something felony charges' but then he was never that great with truth," she scolded online.

Plenty of other Australians agreed, lambasting Morrison in the comments to his post on social media.

"That’s not a pile on, that’s accountability for allegedly breaking the law. But then you’re fine with not following the rules when it suits you, Mr Multiple Ministries," one person commented, referring to the former PM secretly accruing ministerial powers while in government.

"This reflects horribly on you. Read the room. The guy is a bloody disgrace and is no way a conservative. You are embarrassing yourself," another remarked.

"All the political judgement of a mad uncle at a BBQ," a third said.

Trump is currently in court in a Manhattan trial for misusing campaign funds, which is considered less consequential than three other criminal prosecutions he faces, all of which are mired in delays. The other cases charge Trump with trying to overturn his 2020 presidential defeat and mishandling classified documents after leaving office. He has pleaded not guilty to all three.

Morrison trying to reach America's evangelicals

Morrison is in Washington where he is launching his new book at the Australian embassy titled 'Plans for Your Good - a Prime Minister's testimony of God's faithfulness' – a move intended to appeal to the large base of fundamentalist Christians in the United States.

The foreword to the book was written by Mike Pence, who served as vice president in the Trump administration, and is also an evangelical Christian.

Expected to be at the book launch are ambassador Kevin Rudd, former Trump senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, and former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

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