Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., who has been critical of President Trump, is set to resign earlier than expected. This news follows some tough comments made by Trump about the diplomat just recently.
A statement from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed gratitude for the contributions of Kevin Rudd during his time in Washington, noting that he will complete his role by the end of March 2026.
Their statement defended Rudd’s work, emphasizing that he engaged with Australia’s closest allies to achieve meaningful outcomes during both Democratic and Republican administrations. They highlighted his understanding of U.S.-China relations, especially since he leads the Asia Society, which focuses on U.S.-Asia connections.
Rudd, who has previously served as Australia’s prime minister, expressed appreciation for Albanese and Wong’s kind words before his departure and shared insights into his future plans. He mentioned he’ll be staying in the U.S. to work on U.S.-China relations, which he sees as crucial for the stability of the region and beyond.
Reflecting on his three years as ambassador, Rudd conveyed his honor in serving and thanked the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary through his official account.
A bit of background: Rudd has extensive experience with the Asia Society, having been its president and CEO until 2023, and will now lead its China Analysis Center.
There’s been interesting interplay between Rudd and Trump. During a past meeting, Rudd seemed to be struggling to clarify his previous critical comments about Trump when the president abruptly stated he didn’t like Rudd.
Additionally, Rudd stirred controversy in 2024 when he deleted tweets where he labeled Trump as “the most destructive president in history.” He claimed the removal of these posts was to ensure there was no confusion about his role as ambassador.
Rudd’s upcoming resignation leaves some questions about how his earlier remarks might have played into the decision. However, a source close to the Trump administration remarked that Rudd had collaborated effectively with the administration and expressed hope for his well-being.
