In a stunning turn of events, the future of Kevin Rudd’s role as Australia’s ambassador to the United States has been thrown into question following the unexpected victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election. The Coalition government is now “keeping an open mind” about whether the former prime minister should remain in his post, given his history of criticizing the controversial president-elect.
Risks of Rudd’s Trump Criticism
Liberal senator Simon Birmingham highlighted the potential risks of having Rudd, a vocal Trump critic, serving as Australia’s top diplomat in Washington. “Anthony Albanese said he was never going to appoint Kevin Rudd to this post … then he changed his mind,” Birmingham noted. “And he did so at a time that Donald Trump was a declared candidate for the presidency. The risks were ones that the government chose to take.”
Rudd’s appointment as ambassador was initially met with surprise, given his contentious history with the US alliance during his time as prime minister. In a leaked cable from 2009, a US diplomat described Rudd as a “control freak” who made “snap announcements without consulting other countries or within the Australian government.” Rudd also famously criticized George W. Bush at a private gathering, calling him “the most incompetent president in living memory.”
A Controversial Appointment
Despite these red flags, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took a chance on Rudd, hoping his experience and stature would bolster Australia’s standing in Washington. But with Trump now heading back to the White House, Rudd’s outspoken criticism of the former reality TV star could prove to be a liability.
“Trump is a lunatic,” Rudd declared in a 2016 interview. “He has no grasp of international relations, no interest in diplomacy, and poses a real threat to global stability.”
– Kevin Rudd on Donald Trump, 2016
Such frank assessments are unlikely to endear Rudd to the notoriously thin-skinned Trump, who is known for his tendency to hold grudges. If the president-elect decides Rudd is persona non grata, it could severely hamper Australia’s ability to advance its interests with its most important ally.
Coalition Weighs Options
Faced with this dilemma, the Coalition government is carefully weighing its options. While some argue that Rudd’s experience and bipartisan respect in Washington make him uniquely qualified for the ambassador role, others fear his history with Trump could prove an insurmountable obstacle.
- Option 1: Keep Rudd in place and hope for the best
- Option 2: Recall Rudd and appoint a less controversial figure
- Option 3: Reach out to Trump’s team to gauge their receptiveness to working with Rudd
According to a senior government official, all options remain on the table. “We recognize the importance of having a strong and effective ambassador in Washington, especially given the challenges posed by China’s rise and increasing global instability,” the official said. “At the same time, we can’t afford to alienate the incoming US administration. It’s a delicate balancing act.”
An Uncertain Future
As the Coalition deliberates, Rudd’s fate hangs in the balance. Will he weather the storm and continue his unlikely diplomatic career? Or will his turbulent history with Trump prove his undoing? Only time will tell.
For now, all eyes are on Canberra as the government grapples with yet another twist in the long and complex saga of Australia’s relationship with the United States. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: navigating the uncharted waters of the Trump era will require all the skill, finesse, and luck Australia’s diplomats can muster.
