Australia's Top Diplomat in Washington Resigns Amid Political Turbulence

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-13 04:50:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 01:22:46

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In a move that has sent ripples through diplomatic circles, Kevin Rudd, Australia's high-profile ambassador to the United States, has announced his resignation, effective March 2023, a year earlier than his term was set to end. This decision comes after a tumultuous three years marked by a well-publicized rift with former President Donald Trump and ongoing tensions with the current administration.

Rudd, a former Australian Prime Minister, was appointed to the prestigious diplomatic post in 2019 by then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison. His tenure, however, was soon overshadowed by the Trump administration's combative approach to international relations. The relationship between the two nations became particularly strained when Trump imposed tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum, citing national security concerns, a move that Rudd publicly criticized. This led to a notable exchange of words, with Trump taking to Twitter to label Rudd a "very stupid guy" and a "lightweight."

Despite these challenges, Rudd persevered, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties in areas like trade, defense, and technology. However, sources close to the ambassador suggest that the constant diplomatic firefighting took a toll, and the opportunity to lead the Asia Society, a prestigious New York-based organization, offered a welcome change.

The Australian government has yet to announce Rudd's successor, but speculation is rife. Joel Fitzgibbon, a former defense minister known for his pro-China stance, is among the potential candidates. This has sparked interest and concern, given the current geopolitical climate and Australia's complex relationship with China. As the world watches, the choice of the next ambassador will undoubtedly shape Australia's foreign policy and its engagement with the US and the Asia-Pacific region.

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