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Washington D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, October 20, 2025, openly expressed his disdain for Australia’s ambassador, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, during a White House meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The remarks came as the two allies confirmed a deal on submarines, in what was otherwise described as a friendly discussion.
The moment occurred across the cabinet table when a reporter asked Trump about Rudd’s previous criticism of the former U.S. president. Trump replied, “Maybe he’ll like to apologise.” Turning to Prime Minister Albanese, he added, “Where is he? Is he still working for you?” Albanese smiled awkwardly, gesturing to Rudd, who was seated directly across from them.
Direct confrontation
Rudd attempted to clarify, stating, “That was before I took this position, Mr. President.” Trump immediately interrupted, saying, “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And I probably never will.” Officials present, including aides from both nations, laughed at the exchange before the conversation shifted to another question.
Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, later downplayed the remarks, calling them “clearly tongue-in-cheek.” Speaking to Australia’s Nine Network, she added, “We heard the laughter. We know that we had a very successful meeting and full credit to Kevin.”
Background on Rudd’s criticism
Kevin Rudd, a former Labor Party Prime Minister, had been highly critical of Trump on social media during his time out of office. He described Trump as the “most destructive President in history” and a “traitor to the West,” accusing him of dragging both America and democracy “through the mud” following the 2020 Capitol riots. After Trump regained the White House, Rudd deleted these comments.
Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking career diplomat, was appointed as ambassador to the U.S. during Joe Biden’s presidency. Australia hoped his expertise on China would enhance influence in Washington. During Trump’s 2024 campaign, he had previously labelled Rudd as “nasty” and doubted his tenure as ambassador would last long, comments made in an interview with British politician Nigel Farage.
Submarine deal and bilateral relations
Despite the sharp exchange, the meeting between Trump and Albanese was productive, culminating in a confirmed submarine deal between the U.S. and Australia. Analysts note that while Trump’s remarks towards Rudd were blunt and personal, they did not appear to derail the overall diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Conclusion
The encounter highlighted Trump’s forthright and confrontational style, particularly in addressing past critics, even in formal diplomatic settings. While the submarine deal underscores continued U.S.-Australia cooperation, the remarks toward Ambassador Rudd may draw attention in media coverage, reflecting the sometimes unpredictable nature of high-level diplomacy under the Trump administration.