Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly defended his ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, after US President Donald Trump jokingly said he did not like the diplomat during a White House meeting.
The remarks came when Trump was asked about Rudd, a former Australian prime minister who had previously posted tweets critical of Trump. Acknowledging the tweets, Rudd prompted Trump to respond, “I don’t like you either,” which reportedly caused laughter in the room. The comments sparked debate back home, with opposition leader Sussan Ley suggesting Rudd’s position had become “untenable.”
Albanese dismissed the exchange as lighthearted “banter” and publicly praised Rudd’s work. Speaking at a Friends of Australia breakfast with US politicians, the prime minister said, “If there’s a harder working ambassador on The Hill, then please let me know, because Kevin works his guts out and he seems to know everyone.”
Rudd, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 2007–2010 and briefly in 2013, was appointed US ambassador in 2023 for a four-year posting. His earlier tweets had described Trump as the “most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West,” while another post called him a “village idiot.”
Despite the old criticisms, Trump reportedly assured Rudd, “all is forgiven,” minutes after the joke in the Cabinet Room.
Republican Congressman Michael McCaul also voiced support for Rudd, noting his critical role in Aukus, the trilateral submarine deal between Australia, the UK, and the US. McCaul joked he was glad Rudd was still “gainfully employed” and highlighted his presence throughout key negotiations.
Albanese credited the success of his two-day US visit, which included signing an A$13 billion rare earths deal, to Rudd’s efforts, publicly thanking the ambassador for his hard work at an event celebrating the 140th anniversary of mining giant BHP.
Rudd’s position as ambassador appears secure, with Albanese emphasizing the diplomat’s dedication and influence in strengthening Australia-US relations despite past social media controversies.