Kevin Rudd is set to resign from his role as Australia’s ambassador to the United States a year earlier than planned. This decision comes just a few months after a contentious encounter where former President Donald Trump reportedly told Rudd, “I don’t like you and I probably never will.”

Rudd, known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, will assume the role of president at the Asia Society think tank, as confirmed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday morning.

“We express our gratitude to Kevin for his dedication to Australia and his efforts in strengthening our ties with our closest security ally,” Albanese stated on Tuesday.

“His tenure has been marked by navigating a complex political landscape, including a change in the U.S. presidency. Kevin Rudd succeeded in building relationships across Congress, the Senate, and among both Democrat and Republican members, as well as engaging with civil society and officials,” Albanese added.

Prior to his ambassadorial appointment, Rudd had characterized Trump as a “traitor to the West” and a “village idiot,” further describing him as “the most destructive president in history.”

Rudd’s impending departure follows a tense interaction with Trump during Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Washington in October, sparking renewed discussions about Rudd’s suitability for the ambassadorial position given his prior criticisms of Trump.

During the visit, Trump was asked by a reporter about Rudd’s previous remarks and responded directly to him, saying: ‘I don’t like you either, and I probably never will.’ 

Rudd awkwardly replied: ‘I withdraw those statements.’ 

Kevin Rudd will step down as Australia’s ambassador to the United States a year early, just months after Donald Trump told him, ‘I don’t like you and I probably never will’

Rudd previously labelled Trump a ‘traitor to the West’ and a ‘village idiot,’ and described him as the ‘most destructive president in history’ before taking up his role as ambassador

In March 2024, Trump publicly described Rudd as ‘a little bit nasty’ and warned bluntly that if the ambassador was hostile, ‘he will not be there long’.

Albanese, who has consistently defended Rudd since appointing him ambassador, said the decision to step down was Rudd’s alone and not requested by the Trump administration. 

‘During both the Democrat and Republican administrations, Kevin has worked in collaboration with our closest security ally and principal strategic partner to achieve concrete outcomes,’ Albanese said on Tuesday morning.

When asked if former Prime Minister Scott Morrison could be next for the role, Albanese said: ‘We’ll make decisions down the track about the right person with the  right skills to be able to reach across a broad spectrum of support.’

‘One of the things we’ll be looking for is someone with those personal skills as well as experience in foreign affairs.’

Albanese was also asked whether Trump’s criticism of Rudd would inform his choice for Australia’s next ambassador.

‘If you look at a range of people who are playing critical roles in the Trump administration, I think that one of the things about President Trump is that he looks forward on these issues,’ he said.

‘And the relationship that Kevin has had with members of the Trump administration, whoever follows Kevin, if it’s as good as that, I’ll be pretty happy.’ 

Rudd is pictured alongside his wife Thérèse Rein

Albanese insisted the decision was Rudd’s alone and said the Trump administration did not ask for his resignation

‘Kevin Rudd has a work ethic unlike anyone I’ve ever met, he has worked tirelessly,’ Albanese said. 

‘He’s moving on to a role that he believes is pivotal. Kevin Rudd will tell you privately what he has said publicly and what drove him to write his book is that the relationship between the United States and China, the two big superpowers, is he thinks that is the most important one that will define the mid-part of this century. 

‘He sees this as a continuation of his public service to not just Australia, but to the global community.

‘On behalf of our nation, we thank Kevin for his service to Australia, and for taking forward Australia’s interests with our closest security ally.’ 

Foreign Minister Penny Wong praised Rudd for his ‘tireless work’ as ambassador over the past three years.

‘He’s applied his relentless effort, his experience, his intellect and his determination to advance Australia’s interests in Washington, and Kevin Rudd has served the nation well,’ she said. 

‘During his tenure, Australia secured US congressional support for authorising legislation for AUKUS with full bipartisan support.

‘Kevin has been an excellent ambassador. We thank him for his tireless contribution to Australia’s national interests over the last three years.’