Kevin Rudd calls time on US ambassadorship a year early
Kevin Rudd will end his role as Australia’s ambassador to the US a year early after a tumultuous period under the Trump administration.
The former Labor prime minister has been appointed ambassador in 2023 but has faced controversy over his previous criticism of President Donald Trump.
Mr. Trump took back the top job in 2024, complicating the government’s relationship with the ambassador.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Dr. It was announced that Rudd will complete his term on March 31 and take on the role of global chairman of the international relations think tank Asia Society.
He will also head the association’s China Analysis Center.
“I have visited the United States at least seven times as Prime Minister, and that is due to the generally productive work that Kevin Rudd has done,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Dr Rudd had been an excellent ambassador, including helping Australia secure a critical minerals deal with the US and advancing the AUKUS security agreement, under which Australia would receive nuclear-powered submarines from the US.
“Kevin was an excellent ambassador and we thank him for his tireless contribution to Australia’s national interests over the last three years,” he said with the Prime Minister.
“He did what our best ambassadors do, developing deep, lasting relationships across political divides and successive administrations, always with a view to advancing Australia’s interests.”
Mr Albanese denied that relations between the ambassador and the Trump administration had soured; This includes Mr. Trump and Dr. It included a pithy exchange between Rudd and the prime minister during a bilateral meeting when his past criticisms were brought up to the president.
“The thing about President Trump is that he looks forward on these issues,” Mr. Albanese said.
His replacement will be announced at a later date.
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