Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Ambassador Kevin Rudd’s performance in Washington, dismissing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of Rudd as “light-hearted.”
The controversy arose after Trump told reporters during a Washington press briefing that he didn’t like Rudd, referencing the former Australian leader’s past social media criticism. “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will,” Trump said when informed Rudd was present. The remark quickly sparked political backlash in Australia, with the opposition Liberal Party demanding Rudd’s dismissal.
Albanese, however, downplayed the exchange, saying Trump later told Rudd, “all is forgiven.” Speaking to Nine News in Washington, Albanese described the encounter as amicable, adding that Rudd apologized for past comments and that “they moved on.”
The prime minister praised Rudd’s diplomatic efforts, particularly his success in promoting the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact in the U.S. Congress and facilitating Australia’s first official summit with Trump, which Albanese labeled a success. “Kevin Rudd is doing a fantastic job as the ambassador,” he said.
Rudd, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and briefly again in 2013, once referred to Trump as “the most destructive president in history” before deleting the post upon his ambassadorial appointment.
During the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign, Trump again targeted Rudd, calling him “a little bit nasty” during an interview with British politician Nigel Farage. Despite renewed criticism from Australia’s conservative opposition, the Labor government has continued to support Rudd, emphasizing his diplomatic effectiveness and strong U.S. relationships.