Albanese backs Rudd, calls Trump moment ‘just banter’, credits him for visit success
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The news: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, after Donald Trump told him during a White House meeting, “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will.”
The remark, prompted by questions about Rudd’s old critical social media posts, was followed by an apology from Rudd and, according to Albanese, Trump saying “all is forgiven”.
What they said: “It was just some banter that went on in response to a question that was asked of the president,” Albanese told ABC News Breakfast.
Albanese also told Nine’s Today that “President Trump said all is forgiven. He volunteered that,” Albanese said, adding Trump called Rudd a nice guy.
“I’ll tell you what, though, Kevin Rudd has met every single member of Congress, I think, and he is well-liked on the hill.”
The prime minister also told reporters he gave Trump a model submarine, jewellery for Melania, and Ugg booties for their newest granddaughter.
He rejected opposition calls to sack Rudd, describing him as an “outstanding Australian representative” who “works his guts out” and saying “it is not possible to work harder than Kevin Rudd does”.
Albanese credited Rudd with the success of the visit, which included the USD8.5 billion critical minerals deal and renewed US backing for the AUKUS pact.
Albanese said he spent nearly three hours with Trump, including private talks on tariffs and regional security, and met senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He said the visit was a success and confirmed he will see Trump again at next week’s ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
The sources: ABC, The Australian Financial Review
