The future of Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, has been called into question after a senior adviser to President-elect Donald Trump made a provocative social media post. Dan Scavino, who served as Trump’s deputy chief of staff for communications, reignited speculation about Rudd’s role by sharing the ambassador’s congratulatory statement to Trump with an hourglass gif, suggesting that Rudd’s time may be running out.
Rudd, a former Australian prime minister, has faced scrutiny over his past criticisms of Trump. In a 2021 interview, Rudd described the then-president as “a village idiot” and “not a leading intellectual force.” Following Trump’s election victory, Rudd deleted old social media posts critical of the incoming president, but the resurfacing of his comments has put his position under a microscope.
Diplomatic Protocol and Precedent
While there are no formal protocols for challenging the status of foreign diplomats when a new U.S. administration takes office, Trump has previously forced the withdrawal of a high-profile ambassador from a key ally. In 2019, Trump effectively banished then-British ambassador Kim Darroch after leaked cables revealed Darroch’s personal criticisms of the president.
Rudd’s situation differs from Darroch’s in that the Australian ambassador’s criticisms were historical rather than contemporary. Nevertheless, the personal nature of some of Rudd’s past remarks about Trump has raised concerns within Australian government and diplomatic circles that they may pose a more significant problem than initially anticipated.
Calls for Recalibration and Support
Former Australian ambassador to the U.S., Arthur Sinodinos, has cautioned against withdrawing Rudd, arguing that doing so could make Australia appear subservient. However, he has advised finding a way to publicly walk back Rudd’s past criticisms of Trump.
It would not be a good look to suddenly just yank the ambassador out, but what is important is two things: not only that the prime minister stand by the ambassador, but also the ambassador and the prime minister have got to explain maybe that those comments are inoperative, because circumstances have changed.
Arthur Sinodinos, former Australian ambassador to the U.S.
Sinodinos urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Rudd to seize the opportunity presented by Trump’s emphatic victory to recalibrate their approach, suggesting that the president-elect’s electoral success may prompt a reevaluation of his capabilities and intellect.
Bipartisan Backing and Caveats
Opposition leader Peter Dutton has voiced his support for Rudd, praising the ambassador’s efforts and emphasizing the importance of his work in representing Australia’s interests. Dutton highlighted Rudd’s “incredible work ethic” and the respect he commands but also acknowledged that the former prime minister’s disparaging comments about Trump could pose an issue for the government to address.
Former prime minister Tony Abbott downplayed the risk of U.S. intervention in Australia’s diplomatic appointments, noting that while Rudd had said some “injudicious things” about the incoming president, many others had done the same. However, Abbott cautioned that Australia should be “very careful” about criticizing a sitting or former U.S. president.
Ambassador’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
As speculation swirls around Rudd’s future, Prime Minister Albanese has continued to back the ambassador, asserting that he remains the right person for the role. The Australian government now faces the delicate task of navigating the fallout from Rudd’s past comments while working to establish a productive relationship with the incoming Trump administration.
The provocative post by Trump adviser Dan Scavino has added fuel to the fire, leaving Rudd’s fate as ambassador hanging in the balance. As the hourglass gif suggests, time may be running out for the former prime minister to secure his position in Washington.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether Rudd can weather this diplomatic storm and maintain his role as a bridge between Australia and the United States under a Trump presidency. Much will depend on the ability of the Australian government and the ambassador himself to find a way to address his past criticisms and forge a path forward in this new political landscape.
