In an extraordinary and combative confrontation at the White House, then U.S. president Donald Trump unloaded on Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd. This remarkable confrontation occurred at the end of a joint press availability with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This most recent unfolding incident has raised real questions about Secretary Rudd’s fitness for his ambassadorial role. It is all the more troubling given the vitriolic, personal past between the two men.
The argument occurred in the Cabinet Room. He was honest and direct, just like always. Trump bluntly told Rudd, “I don’t like you, and I probably never will.” The unusual nature of the former president’s statement, delivered in direct view of reporters, underscores the strained back-and-forth with the ambassador. At the time, the then-ambassador called Trump “destructive” and a “traitor to the West” in now-deleted tweets.
Coalition Questions Rudd’s Suitability
The federal opposition in Australia has responded quite angrily to Trump’s statements. In short order, they described Rudd’s position as “untenable” after the public humiliation from Trump. This incident has led to new discussions regarding Rudd’s appropriateness for the ambassador position. The conversation has been divisive since Trump’s surprise electoral win.
Though at their meeting Trump later seems confused about Rudd’s current status — though Rudd would go on to become prime minister of Australia. To which he delivered a killer line to Albanese—”Does Kevin still work for you? This question reflects Trump’s apparent unfamiliarity with Rudd, which he acknowledged when a journalist inquired if their relationship contributed to the delay in arranging a meeting with Albanese.
Trump’s dismissal of Rudd was not an isolated incident. In March of last year, he had suggested that Rudd might not remain as ambassador “for long” under his administration. The backlash against Rudd has only grown since this new episode.
A Discourse Disrupted
As that explosive drama played out, Rudd attempted to explain his own harsh prior attacks on Trump. He underscored that those comments were issued long before he took on his current ambassadorial position. Trump cut him off, visibly irritated. Please don’t tell me,” he responded. Tell us about your new book—it’s been described as a manifesto already… What… . This unexpected exchange opened the door to Trump’s cavalier attitude. More than that, it illustrated his unwillingness to have a real conversation about their fraught past.
Albanese’s response as the exchange unfolded showed just how uncomfortable this moment was. Then White House aide Stephen Miller allegedly laughed and pointed at Rudd across the table after Trump made his comment. This moment contributed an “elephant in the room” factor for those in attendance—including the journalists who were live-tweeting the developing drama.
Future Implications
Trump is not happy with Rudd, and tempers seem to be flaring. This unprecedented incident has the potential to irreparably damage Australia’s highly revered diplomatic relations with the United States. The Coalition’s refusal to accept Rudd’s suitability will raise serious questions in the Australian government as to Rudd’s longterm prospects as ambassador.
The trade captures the essence of Trump’s no-nonsense style. It dramatizes alarming impact of personal vendettas on U.S. international diplomacy. Rudd especially has been very dogged in seeking US official engagement. This most recent episode may set back his endeavors and further poison bilateral relations in the years ahead.
