Kevin Rudd Stepping Down Early as US Ambassador After Trump Friction in 2026
Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd is resigning one year early following public friction with President Donald Trump. He will now lead the Asia Society in New York.
"I don't like you either." Those sharp words from President Donald Trump seem to have marked the end of a turbulent diplomatic chapter. On January 13, 2026, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Kevin Rudd, the country's ambassador to the United States, is stepping down one year earlier than expected.
Kevin Rudd US Ambassador Early Departure and Trump Tensions
Rudd's exit follows a history of public friction with the U.S. President. Before his appointment, the former Australian Prime Minister had described Trump as "the most destructive president in history" on social media. While Rudd later deleted the remarks, the tension remained palpable. According to Reuters, Trump openly criticized Rudd during a White House event last year, signaling that the relationship was likely beyond repair.
Australia and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and this will never change.
New Chapter at the Asia Society
Rudd isn't retiring from public life. He's set to head the New York-based Asia Society think tank. While the Australian opposition previously called for his sacking, PM Albanese maintained that Rudd had done important work during his tenure. A White House official told Reuters that the administration wishes him well, noting that he had "worked well" with the President despite past disagreements.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged 'several thousands' of deaths in the 2026 Iran protests, marking a rare shift in state rhetoric amid internet blackouts.
Germany accelerates its Bundeswehr military modernization in 2026, aiming to build Europe's strongest army since WWII with a 108 billion euro budget and a move toward conscription.
Italian PM Meloni slams Trump's Greenland tariffs as a mistake while protests erupt in Nuuk. Explore the 2026 geopolitical shifts from the Arctic to the Syrian ceasefire.
Pentagon orders 1,500 active-duty soldiers to prepare for deployment to Minnesota amid violent anti-ICE protests. Analyze the impact of the US Pentagon Minnesota troop deployment 2026.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged 'several thousands' of deaths in the 2026 Iran protests, marking a rare shift in state rhetoric amid internet blackouts.
Germany accelerates its Bundeswehr military modernization in 2026, aiming to build Europe's strongest army since WWII with a 108 billion euro budget and a move toward conscription.
Italian PM Meloni slams Trump's Greenland tariffs as a mistake while protests erupt in Nuuk. Explore the 2026 geopolitical shifts from the Arctic to the Syrian ceasefire.
Pentagon orders 1,500 active-duty soldiers to prepare for deployment to Minnesota amid violent anti-ICE protests. Analyze the impact of the US Pentagon Minnesota troop deployment 2026.