A couple of rounds of golf with Donald Trump and Joe Hockey is singing the US president's praises.
Australia's ambassador to the United States says Trump is authentic, not as aggressive in person as he is on Twitter, and is underestimated by many people.
"He is one of the most formidable politicians I've ever seen in my life," he told Sydney's 2GB radio.
Mr Hockey, in Australia this week, said he's had a number of private engagements with the president - including some fairway therapy, most recently in April - and admired his "very inquisitive mind".
Donald Trump and Joe Hockey played golf together in April. Source: Supplied
"He's always asking questions about 'what do you think of this? What do you think of that?'
"The thing about Donald Trump is he is authentic. He's a little less aggressive privately than he is on Twitter."
The former Liberal treasurer felt there was a lot of momentum behind him in the US, and lauded him for fulfilling his promises to cut taxes, boosting the American economy, tearing up the Trans-Pacific Partnership, pulling out of the Paris climate agreement and moving the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
"When is the last time you had a president like that?
"If I was a betting man I would say you would bet that he'd be re-elected."
Mr Hockey said the relationship between Australia's prime minister and the president was very important and was in "no doubt" that new leader Scott Morrison will do well to maintain it.
He revealed the Trump administration often sought counsel on policies, noting Australia - unlike other nations - had not been judgemental about the president or his team.
"They respect us for not going down the path so many other countries have."
