Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has robustly defended Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, after President Donald Trump publicly stated he did not like the diplomat during a high-profile meeting at the White House. The incident, which occurred during Albanese’s first official visit to Washington, has highlighted the delicate nature of diplomatic relations under the new administration but was swiftly characterized by both sides as a minor episode.
The tension arose when Trump was asked about Rudd’s past social media posts, in which the former Australian prime minister had described Trump as the “most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West.” In response, Trump told Rudd, “I don’t like you either,” prompting laughter in the room. However, sources indicate that Rudd later apologized again for the tweets, and Trump assured him that “all is forgiven,” suggesting the exchange was more light-hearted than confrontational.
Albanese immediately came to Rudd’s defense, dismissing the comments as “banter” and emphasizing Rudd’s exceptional performance as ambassador. Speaking at events in Washington, the prime minister publicly thanked Rudd for his hard work, noting that the success of the visit, including the signing of an $8.5 billion rare earths deal, was largely due to the ambassador’s efforts. He affirmed that Rudd would remain in his post for the full four-year term, describing him as doing a “fantastic job.”
The meeting between Albanese and Trump also covered critical bilateral issues, such as the AUKUS submarine pact and trade tariffs. While the US is reviewing aspects of AUKUS, both leaders downplayed any significant disagreements, with Trump calling them “minor” and Albanese urging observers not to “look for something that’s not there.” Additionally, Albanese sought relief from reciprocal tariffs, though no immediate resolution was announced.
In Australia, the incident sparked political debate, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley initially calling Rudd’s position “untenable” and demanding his dismissal. However, internal divisions emerged within the Coalition, as former frontbencher Jane Hume criticized such calls as “churlish” and praised Rudd’s work. Other figures, including former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, acknowledged Rudd’s effectiveness in the role, indicating broader support for the ambassador despite the controversy.
The visit underscored the importance of the Australia-US alliance, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. At a breakfast with the Friends of Australia Caucus, attended by numerous US lawmakers, Republican Congressman Michael McCaul joked about Rudd’s employment status but commended his contributions to AUKUS discussions. The event highlighted bipartisan American support for the relationship, with lawmakers from both parties praising Australia’s role as a key ally.
Looking ahead, the episode appears to have been resolved without lasting damage, with Albanese and Trump spending nearly three hours together in private discussions and tours. The prime minister’s steadfast backing of Rudd signals confidence in his diplomatic skills, while the quick resolution of the Twitter spat demonstrates the resilience of the bilateral ties. Future engagements will likely focus on implementing the critical minerals deal and advancing AUKUS, with Rudd expected to continue playing a central role in fostering cooperation between the two nations.