6 months ago
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Australia said connected Tuesday (January 13, 2026) its ambassador to the United States is leaving aft a three-year tenure overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s verdict connected him: “I don’t similar you either.”
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who departs his station connected March 31 to go president of the Asia Society deliberation vessel successful New York, had sharply criticised M.r Trump portion helium was retired of office.
Mr. Trump expressed disdain for Mr. Rudd during a televised U.S.-Australia gathering astatine the White House successful October past year, prompting immoderate Australian Opposition calls for his posting to beryllium ended.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “entirely” Mr. Rudd’s determination to measurement down a twelvemonth early.
“Kevin Rudd has a enactment ethic dissimilar anyone I person ever met. He has worked tirelessly. He’s moving connected to a relation that helium believes is pivotal,” helium told reporters.
The Prime Minister praised Mr. Rudd for his “tireless work” for Australia, including lobbying successful favour of the alleged AUKUS statement to equip Australia’s navy with nuclear-powered submarines.
Before taking up his station successful Washington, Mr. Rudd had described Mr. Trump arsenic the “most destructive President successful history” and a “traitor to the West” who “drags America and ideology done the mud”.
Mr. Rudd deleted the online comments aft Mr. Trump won backmost the White House successful November 2024.
At the White House gathering successful October, the U.S. president suggested Mr. Rudd mightiness privation to apologize for his earlier remarks.
Turning to Mr. Albanese astatine his side, Mr. Trump said, “Where is he? Is helium inactive moving for you?”
Mr. Albanese smiled awkwardly earlier gesturing to Mr. Rudd, who was sitting straight successful beforehand of them.
Mr. Rudd began to explain, “That was earlier I took this position, Mr. President.”
Mr. Trump chopped him off, saying, “I don’t similar you either. I don’t. And I astir apt ne'er will.”
Mr. Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking erstwhile vocation diplomat, had been tapped arsenic Ambassador during Joe Biden’s presidency, with Australia hoping his expertise connected China would summation him power successful Washington.
