Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Oct 21: US President Donald Trump expressed open disdain for Australia’s ambassador, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, during a White House meeting on Monday, where he sat face-to-face with Rudd across the cabinet table.

The meeting, attended by top aides, was largely cordial and focused on submarine deals with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. However, when a reporter asked Trump about Rudd’s past criticism of him, the former president remarked, “Maybe he'll like to apologize.”

Turning to Albanese, Trump asked, “Where is he? Is he still working for you?” Albanese responded with an awkward smile and gestured toward Rudd, seated directly in front of them. Rudd attempted to explain, “That was before I took this position, Mr. President.” Trump abruptly cut him off: “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And I probably never will.”

The exchange drew laughter from officials on both sides before the conversation moved to another question.

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong later described Trump’s remarks as “clearly tongue-in-cheek,” adding, “We heard the laughter. We know that we had a very successful meeting and full credit to Kevin,” in an interview with Australia’s Nine Network.

Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking former career diplomat and Labor Party leader, had previously criticised Trump on social media as the “most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West” following the 2020 election and the Capitol riot. He later deleted those posts after Trump regained the presidency.

During last year’s campaign, Trump called Rudd “nasty” and predicted he would not last long as ambassador in an interview with British politician Nigel Farage. Rudd was appointed ambassador under President Joe Biden, with Australia hoping his expertise on China would strengthen diplomatic influence in Washington.