Sawt Falasteen - Australia's ambassador to US leaving post, marked by Trump rift

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, who departs his post on March 31 to become president of the Asia Society think tank in New York, had sharply criticised Trump while he was out of office.

Trump expressed disdain for Rudd during a televised US-Australia meeting at the White House in October last year, prompting some Australian opposition calls for his posting to be ended.

"Rudd has delivered concrete outcomes for Australia -- during both Democrat and Republican Administrations -- in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a joint statement with his foreign minister.

"We thank Dr Rudd for his exceptional service as Ambassador and as a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia."

Before taking up his post in Washington, Rudd had described Trump as the "most destructive president in history" and a "traitor to the West" who "drags America and democracy through the mud."

Rudd deleted the comments after Trump won back the White House in November 2024.

At the White House meeting in October, the US president suggested Rudd might want to apologize for his earlier remarks.

Turning to Albanese at his side, Trump said, "Where is he? Is he still working for you?"

Albanese smiled awkwardly before gesturing to Rudd, who was sitting directly in front of them.

Rudd began to explain, "That was before I took this position, Mr. President."

Trump cut him off, saying, "I don't like you either. I don't. And I probably never will."

Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking former career diplomat, had been tapped as ambassador during Joe Biden's presidency, with Australia hoping his expertise on China would gain him influence in Washington.

S.Abdullah--SF-PST