Kevin Rudd will step down as Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.
‘We thank Kevin for his service to Australia and for advancing Australia’s interests with our closest security ally,’ Albanese said on Tuesday morning.
‘It is has been a complex area that has seen a change of presidency. Kevin Rudd developed relationships across the board, across Congress, across the Senate, across Democrat and Republican members, and of course, as well across civil society and across officials.’
Rudd will take up a position at the Asia Society think tank.
Rudd previously labelled Trump a ‘traitor to the West’ and a ‘village idiot,’ and described him as the ‘most destructive president in history’ before taking up his role as ambassador.
His departure comes just months after an awkward exchange with Donald Trump during Albanese’s visit to Washington in October.
During that visit, Trump was asked by a reporter about Rudd’s past remarks.
Trump became noticeably irritated after learning an ‘ambassador’ had made ‘bad’ comments about him, asking who it was, prompting an awkward laugh from Albanese, who pointed to Rudd.
Trump then addressed Rudd directly, asking whether he had said ‘bad’ things about him.
‘Before I took this position, Mr President,’ Rudd replied.
‘I don’t like you either, and I probably never will,’ Trump responded, as Rudd added: ‘I withdraw those statements.’
