Donald Trump has criticised Australia's ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, calling him "nasty" and suggesting he would not remain in the post for long. In an interview with Nigel Farage on GB News, the Republican presidential nominee said he had heard Rudd was "not the brightest bulb".
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government would keep Rudd as ambassador even if Trump won November's presidential election, praising him as doing "an excellent job". Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused the opposition of a "cheap shot" for raising the issue, noting that opposition leader Peter Dutton had previously expressed confidence in Rudd.
Rudd, a former prime minister, has been scathing about Trump in the past, calling him "the most destructive president in history" and "a traitor to the West" in social media posts. Since taking up the ambassador role in March 2023, he has adopted a more conciliatory tone, saying he has worked "comfortably and seamlessly" with senior Republicans.
Dutton responded that Trump's criticisms "need to be answered" and that Rudd needed to "repair" the US-Australia relationship. A government spokesperson said Rudd was doing a good job, while Wong noted that Aukus had progressed significantly during his tenure.
The interview also touched on Joe Hockey, Rudd's predecessor, and the Aukus defence pact, but Trump gave no indication of recognising either. Hockey, who reportedly had a strong relationship with Trump and was sometimes called a "Trump whisperer", was not commented on by the former president.
