Kevin Rudd has insisted he’s ‘ready’ to work with US president-elect Trump – despite previously calling him the ‘most destructive president in history’.
The Australian ambassador to the US said he’s been working hard for the past year to ensure he was ‘well-prepared for this moment’.
‘And the bottom line is, we’re ready,’ he said in a video message for the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.
‘The team here at the embassy and the government of Australia are ready to work closely with the new Trump administration to continue to realise the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership.’
The ambassador appeared to be selling himself to Trump as he talked up Australia’s contribution of nearly $4 billion towards the production of submarines under AUKUS.
The three-way security pact between Australia, the US and the UK might be strained under Trump, who has complained in the past about allies not pulling their weight in defence arrangements.
‘This will represent large-scale purchases from American industry. That’s a significant defence deal,’ Rudd said.
‘And on top of that, we’re already investing into the US submarine industrial base to expand the capacity of their shipyards. Put these things together and it represents a strong, positive message for America.
In a video message on Wednesday, Rudd said he was ready to work with Trump
‘The fundamental value of AUKUS for all three partners is that it makes all three countries stronger than we would have been without it.
‘It strengthens all three countries’ ability to deter threats, and it grows the Defense Industrial Base and creates jobs in all three countries.’
Rudd, who speaks fluent Mandarin, didn’t mention potential tariffs on Chinese goods under Trump.
But he added that ‘the Indo-Pacific would not have enjoyed long periods of stability and prosperity without the United States’ and its security guarantee to the region.
‘America’s network of alliances is an unrivalled network with vast reach, and each of these alliances and partnerships is a force multiplier.’
Rudd previously called Trump a ‘traitor to the West’, and a ‘village idiot,’ and described him as the ‘most destructive president in history’ – comments he has since deleted from social media.
In response, Trump said that Rudd was ‘nasty’ and he would not last long in the role if he returned to the White House.
US President-elect Trump earlier called Rudd ‘nasty’ over his comments on social media
Since the election, there has been a flood of calls for Rudd to resign, which increased following the appointment of Dan Scavino as Trump’s deputy chief of staff.
Scavino posted an ominous GIF of an hourglass in response to Rudd’s official statement congratulating Trump on his victory on November 7 0 suggesting that his days in the role might be numbered.
Former Trump staffer Sean Spicer also said Trump would ‘not forget’ Rudd’s comments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Rudd this month, and said he was ‘doing a good job’.
‘That’s been recognised across the political spectrum in Australia by people from Tony Abbott to Malcolm Turnbull to Peter Dutton and obviously the Australian Government,’ Albanese said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton, too, expressed his tentative support for Rudd.
‘It’s important that he does work in our country’s name. He’s been a very effective contributor to public debate, particularly as a former prime minister, he’s well respected.
‘I hope that he’s able to form a relationship with the new administration as he’s done with the current one.’
Rudd is two years into his four-year term as ambassador.
