Australia's ambassador to the US leaves after clash with Trump. He had an awkward conversation
Australia's ambassador to the US, who had a hostile relationship with President Donald Trump, is leaving office earlier than expected. Kevin Rudd will step down at the end of March and will then become president and CEO of the Asia Society, said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Why is Kevin Rudd leaving his job as ambassador?
When does Kevin Rudd end his term?
What did Trump say during his meeting with Rudd?
Where will Kevin Rudd work after he leaves?
In a statement, Albanese expressed his “deep appreciation” for Rudd, who has twice served as Australia's prime minister.
“Rudd has achieved concrete results for Australia – under both Democratic and Republican administrations – in partnership with our closest security ally and major strategic partner,” the Prime Minister said.
Rudd, who begins a four-year term as ambassador to the US in 2023, found himself at the center of an awkward situation during a bilateral meeting at the White House last October. After being asked about the ambassador's previous comments disapproving of Trump, the president bluntly told Rudd: “I don't like you either and I probably never will.”
Rudd deleted social media posts criticizing Trump as “the most destructive president in history” after his re-election in 2024. Asked about Rudd in an interview last year, Trump called the ambassador “kind of nasty” and said he was “not the brightest bulb.”
Rudd did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement announcing his hiring at Asia Society, he said: “I look forward to continuing my work with a world-class team.”
