The Cryptic Warning to Kevin Rudd: Is His Time as Ambassador to the US Running Out?
An adviser to United States president-elect Donald Trump has appeared to send a warning sign to Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd.
On Tuesday, Trump aide Dan Scavino reshared a post that Rudd made on 7 November congratulating Trump on his victory and saying Australia “looks forward to working closely” with the president-elect and his administration.
Scavino shared the post with an animated GIF that showed sand trickling down through an hourglass — potentially intending to signal that Rudd’s time in the role was running out.
The Controversial Relationship Between Rudd and Trump
Former prime minister Rudd, who was appointed as Australia’s ambassador to the US in March 2023, has made multiple comments disparaging Trump about his first presidency, having previously called him “nuts”, “the most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West.
In the lead-up to the US election earlier this year, Rudd looked to have changed his tune.
“If President Trump is elected on 5 November, we’re not going over some chasm,” Rudd said in July, adding it would be a “perfectly navigable and manageable” relationship.
Last week, as it became clear Trump would be the next US president, Rudd deleted several posts from his X account that were critical of Trump.
In March this year, Rudd had expressed doubts about his future as ambassador if Trump were re-elected.
An Australian government spokesperson responded to Trump’s comments at the time, saying Rudd was “doing a good job as Australia’s ambassador to the United States”.
Can the US Choose Australia’s Ambassador?
Despite Trump’s remarks and Scavino’s posts, neither Trump nor anyone else in his cabinet can make a decision about whether or not Rudd is Australia’s ambassador to the US.
Typically, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) seeks expressions of interest in the role, and the department’s secretary makes recommendations to the foreign minister. Ultimately, the government of the day can choose whoever it likes.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed support for Rudd earlier this year amid Trump’s criticisms, saying he was doing an “excellent job” and confirming that he would stay in the role no matter who was elected president.
Scavino served in Trump’s previous administration as the White House deputy chief of staff for communications and director of social media.
SBS News has contacted DFAT for comment.
Conclusion
As tensions rise between Kevin Rudd and the Trump administration, the future of Australia’s ambassador to the US remains uncertain. Despite cryptic warnings, the decision ultimately lies with the Australian government.
FAQs
1. Can the US influence the appointment of Australia’s ambassador?
- The US president and his cabinet do not have the authority to choose Australia’s ambassador to the US.
- Ultimately, the decision rests with the Australian government.
2. What is the role of DFAT in appointing ambassadors?
- DFAT typically seeks expressions of interest for ambassador roles and makes recommendations to the foreign minister.
- The government of the day has the final say in appointing ambassadors.