Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed concerns on Sunday over whether Australia’s ambassador to Washington, Kevin Rudd, had become a liability after fresh remarks from US President Donald Trump resurfaced.
Albanese, a long-time supporter of Rudd, rejected suggestions that the ambassador’s past criticism of Trump was undermining his role. Rudd, who once described Trump in 2020 as “the most destructive president in history” before later deleting the comment, has faced renewed scrutiny following Trump’s comments at a summit in Washington.
During the gathering, Trump remarked that he did not like the ambassador, calling back to Rudd’s earlier criticism. On Friday night in Washington, Trump added, “I think he said a long time ago something bad. You know, when they say bad about me, I don’t forget.”
Appearing on Australian television, Albanese firmly defended Rudd. “No, it’s not,” he said when asked if Rudd’s position was becoming problematic. “Kevin Rudd’s doing a great job as ambassador.”
The prime minister praised Rudd’s efforts in building congressional support for the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal and in preparing for Australia’s first summit with Trump, which Canberra has hailed as a success.
Australia’s conservative opposition has called for Rudd’s dismissal, arguing that his past remarks have compromised his effectiveness.
Rudd, who speaks fluent Mandarin, first became prime minister in 2007, returning Labor to power after more than a decade in opposition. He was replaced by his party in 2010 but briefly returned to the leadership in 2013 before leaving politics.
SEO Tags: Anthony Albanese Kevin Rudd, Kevin Rudd Trump comments, Australia US relations, AUKUS deal, Australian politics
#Tags: #AnthonyAlbanese #KevinRudd #AustraliaUS #abnewsinternational #AUKUS
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