By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
Australia’s United States ambassador, who once called President Donald Trump a “village idiot,” has resigned from his role.
Kevin Rudd, who previously served as the country’s prime minister, became the U.S. ambassador in March 2023 during President Joe Biden’s administration.
He wrote several tweets – which he later deleted – criticizing Trump prior to his Washington posting.
In one, he called Trump a “village idiot,” according to multiple reports. In another, he called him “the most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West.”
A White House official told Newsweek: “Ambassador Rudd worked well with President Trump and the administration. We wish him well.”
Newsweek reached out to Rudd for comment outside of normal business hours.
What To Know
Rudd said on Tuesday that he would step down from his role after being appointed global president of the Asia Society think tank and head of the society’s Center for China Analysis. His four-year term was due to end in 2027.
In a statement on X, Rudd said it had been an “honour” to serve as Australia’s ambassador and thanked the Asia Society for offering him his new role.
“I will be remaining in America working between New York and Washington on the future of US-China relations, which I have always believed to be the core question for the future stability of our region and the world,” he said.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Rudd for his service, saying he had “delivered concrete outcomes for Australia.”
Rudd addressed his previous remarks on Trump during a meeting at the White House in October. Rudd admitted he had posted the tweets, and Trump said: “I don’t like you either and I probably never will.”
What People Are Saying
Albanese said in a statement: “It is with deep appreciation for his tireless contribution to our national interests over the last three years in Washington that we today announce that the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC will conclude his posting as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States at the end of March 2026.”
Pauline Hanson, founder and leader of One Nation, a right-wing Australian party, wrote on X: “Kevin Rudd wasn’t up to the job as Australia’s ambassador to the United States. That’s been clear since President Trump said ‘I don’t like you either’ to his face in October. Let’s hope the government picks someone who has respect. Our relationship with the United States is vital and needs the right person for the job, not just another Labor mate.”
What Happens Next
Rudd will leave his role on March 31. It is not yet clear who will replace him, and Albanese said an announcement would be made “in due course.”
– Newsweek
