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However, subsequent clarifications revealed inconsistencies. Farrell's later statements indicated that Trump did not raise this issue directly with Albanese. Instead, Farrell acknowledged that Trump had publicly spoken about the matter during a 'liberation day' event, but not in private discussions.
This rapid back-and-forth created embarrassment for the government and raised questions about communication clarity at the highest levels. Political commentators and analysts joked that the Australian government might be "infected" with the same issues as Mad Cow Disease, a tongue-in-cheek remark on the confusion and miscommunication surrounding the beef trade issue.