Kevin Rudd to become Australia’s ambassador to the United States

On Dec 20, 2022

Highlights

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd will commence as Australia’s ambassador to the US early next year.
Mr Rudd has been highly critical of former US president Donald Trump, who recently announced his intention to run in 2024.
Anthony Albanese rejected suggestions a Trump presidency could undermine Mr Rudd’s ability to perform his duties.

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd, who has been critical of the modern Republican Party, has been appointed to serve as Australia’s ambassador to the United States.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on Tuesday and insisted Mr Rudd, who will take up the role early next year, brings “unmatched experience” to the role, having served as prime minister and foreign minister, before working extensively in the United States.

Mr Rudd has been an outspoken critic of former US president Donald Trump – who has announced a third run for the presidency in 2024 – as well as leading calls for a royal commission into media company News Corp’s role in the Australian media landscape.

Rumours about his appointment had been rife but, when asked by Murdoch-owned Sky News in May if he was hopeful of an ambassadorship under an Albanese government, Mr Rudd responded: “I can always rely on you people to ask questions I’ve already answered. The answer to that is no, and you know that”.

A man wearing a suit, tie and glasses who is speaking.

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese dismissed concerns Mr Rudd would become a de facto second foreign minister in Washington DC. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Mr Rudd has repeatedly criticised former US president Donald Trump — labelling him a “” in a February tweet — and also Republicans who he said wanted to “avoid upsetting him”.

Mr Trump , and Mr Albanese dismissed concerns he would struggle to fulfil his duties under a future Trump presidency.

University of Sydney US politics expert Simon Jackman said Mr Rudd would have to “cross that bridge when he comes to it”, saying it would be “enormously difficult” for any Labor government to do business with a “Trump or Trump-like administration”.

But he said Mr Rudd’s fractious relationship with media magnate Rupert Murdoch could prove particularly complex.

“When you think of prominent Australians in the United States, the Murdochs often loom large. That’s going to be one missing element here,” he said.

“The connection, having a sympathetic ear in the Murdoch press for issues of interest to Australia, is going to be harder for Rudd to personally transact.”

‘Considered a gun’

The former prime minister said his new role would “not be dissimilar” to his current job as president of the Asia Society think tank.

“Australia currently faces its most challenging security and diplomatic environment for many decades,” he said in a statement.

“Over the past decade, I have had the pleasure of building relationships with Republicans and Democrats across politics, and have developed close personal ties with American business, civil society and the media.”

Professor Jackman warned Mr Rudd lacked the personal warmth of his predecessors – former Liberal senator Arthur Sinodinos, former treasurer Joe Hockey, and former Labor leader Kim Beazley – who were “extremely easy to along with”.

But he said that may be offset…

Kevin Rudd to become Australia’s ambassador to the United States

Highlights

‘Considered a gun’

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