Peter Dutton to ‘reassess’ Kevin Rudd’s role as US ambassador if elected
A Coalition Government would “reassess” Kevin Rudd’s status as US ambassador if there are clear issues in Washington, Peter Dutton has revealed.
Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, the Opposition Leader said while his instinct was to keep Dr Rudd as Australia’s representative in DC, he would make a judgement call if there were “insurmountable” problems.
Dr Rudd’s position as ambassador came into question after Donald Trump’s re-election as US President, forced to delete previous social media posts criticising the Republican.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.In 2020, Dr Rudd — Prime Minister from 2007 to 2010, and again in 2013 — described Trump as “the most destructive president in history”.
Mr Dutton said Australia needed an ambassador who was in our country’s best interests.
“Kevin, obviously, is an accomplished person as Prime Minister of our country, and if he’s the best person for the job, then he should stay in the job,” Mr Dutton said.
“If it turns out he’s had no access to the White House and no real influence in relation to this issue or whatever the next issue might be, then you would have to reassess his position.
“At the moment, we’re being told that he’s effective in his advocacy of the administration. I suppose time would tell.
“My instinct would be to leave him in the job, but if there are insurmountable problems that he has or that the administration has with him, then that would make it very difficult.”
As Mr Trump pursues global tariffs against steel imports as part of his trade overhaul, pressure has mounted on Dr Rudd to secure an exemption for Australia.
While Mr Albanese has repeatedly expressed support for Dr Rudd, some have call into question whether the former Prime Minister will be able to build a relationship with Mr Trump, who has previously levelled criticism at the Australian.
“I don’t know much about him. I heard he was a little bit nasty. I hear he’s not the brightest bulb. But I don’t know much about him,” Trump said in 2023.
“He won’t be there long if that’s the case,” Trump added.
