US President Donald Trump expressed open disdain towards Australia’s ambassador and former PM Kevin Rudd during a White House meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. The meeting, otherwise cordial, confirmed a submarine deal between the two allies.
When asked about Rudd’s past criticism of him, Trump said, “Maybe he’ll like to apologize.” Turning to Albanese, Trump asked, “Where is he? Is he still working for you?” Rudd replied that his criticism was before taking the ambassadorial role, but Trump interrupted, saying, “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And I probably never will.”
Officials laughed off the exchange, and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong described Trump’s remarks as “clearly tongue-in-cheek”, emphasizing that the meeting was successful and giving credit to Rudd for his role.
Rudd, a former Labor PM and career diplomat, had criticized Trump on social media during his time out of office, calling him the “most destructive president in history”. He later deleted the posts after Trump returned to the White House.
Trump had previously labeled Rudd “nasty” during the 2024 campaign and doubted his longevity as ambassador.