U.S. President Donald Trump has openly criticized Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing him of making disparaging remarks about the U.S. leader. The exchange occurred as Albanese and Trump discussed bilateral relations, with Trump’s attention quickly turning to Rudd.
When an Australian reporter questioned why the meeting had been delayed, Trump asked Albanese, “Did an ambassador say something bad? Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Where is he? Is he still working for you?” Albanese confirmed Rudd remained the ambassador, prompting the envoy to acknowledge past negative comments about Trump but stating he had since withdrawn them.
Trump responded with a sharp retort: “I don’t like you either. And I probably never will,” drawing laughter from attendees. Rudd had previously deleted social media posts in which he labeled Trump a “village idiot,” “traitor to the west,” and “nuts.” Albanese appointed Rudd as ambassador in 2023.
