Kevin Rudd to step down as ambassador to US
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The news: The Albanese government has announced that former prime minister Kevin Rudd will conclude his posting as Australia's ambassador to the United States at the end of March, following three years in Washington.
The context: Rudd has accepted the role of global president of international relations think tank the Asia Society, which he previously headed between 2021 and 2023. He will also lead the society’s centre for China analysis.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong confirmed that Rudd will conclude his posting on 31 March, with an announcement on his successor to take place in due course.
Rudd is leaving his post a year early.
At a press conference at Parliament House on Tuesday, the prime minister said the decision to step down had been Rudd's, and that there had been no suggestion from the Trump administration that he should leave the post.
It follows a White House meeting in October, during which Trump told Rudd, "I don't like you either, and I probably never will", referring to years-old social media posts where Rudd criticised Trump.
Rudd later apologised, while Albanese dismissed the exchange as "just some banter" and said Trump had told Rudd "all is forgiven".
What they said: "Dr Rudd has delivered concrete outcomes for Australia — during both Democrat and Republican Administrations — in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner," said Albanese and Wong.
"We thank Dr Rudd for his exceptional service as Ambassador and as a former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia."
The source: PMO media release
