Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in a declaration that, “Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., will complete his term in March 2026.” Rudd, who served as prime minister twice (2007–2010, 2013) and assumed his role in March 2023, was widely regarded as the “most powerful ambassador” in Washington D.C. diplomatic circles. Although he held significant authority during last year’s tariff negotiations, past social media posts criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump in strong terms resurfaced, causing him considerable distress. During a summit with Australia in October, Trump remarked, “I don’t like you and will never like you,” and Rudd ultimately left his post three months later.
Albanese noted, “Rudd collaborated with our closest security ally and key strategic partner under both Democratic and Republican administrations, delivering tangible outcomes for Australia,” and added, “We are grateful for his exceptional contributions as Australia’s ambassador, former prime minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.” Rudd is credited with playing a pivotal role in reaffirming the Trump administration’s support for AUKUS, the trilateral security pact between the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Central to AUKUS—a security framework aimed at countering China—is the U.S. provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia. Rudd persuaded Elbridge Colby, then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, who was initially skeptical. Rudd reportedly called Colby by the nickname “Bridge” and frequently invited him to his residence for informal discussions.
Rudd had previously criticized Trump on social media as the “most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West dragging America and democracy into the mud.” He deleted these posts after Trump’s re-election in November 2024, but the remarks resurfaced during a summit in October of last year. Trump confronted Albanese, asking, “Where is that person? Is he still working under you?” When Rudd attempted to explain, Trump interrupted, stating, “I don’t like you either” and “I dislike you, and I will never like you.” Rudd’s resignation came approximately three months after this incident. Trump had also previously remarked in an interview that he “heard Rudd was not very smart and spiteful” and that “if hostile, he wouldn’t last long.”
After stepping down, Rudd is set to chair the Asia Society, a global nonprofit based in New York. He previously served as chair from 2021 to 2023, followed by Kang Kyung-wha, former Minister of Foreign Affairs (now ambassador to the U.S.). Rudd stated, “It was a great honor to serve as Australia’s ambassador for the past three years,” and added, “I will remain in the U.S., commuting between New York and Washington D.C., to research the future of U.S.-China relations.”
chosunilbo.com
