It wouldn’t be a Donald Trump press event without at least one bamboozling moment, and during Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to the White House on Monday, it was Kevin Rudd who found himself on the receiving end.
Things got spicy when an Australian reporter asked the U.S. President about Rudd’s past comments — namely the ones he made back in 2020 calling Trump “the most destructive president in history” and “a traitor to the West” in 2022.
Those posts have since been wiped from X, but clearly, the world hasn’t forgotten them.
In the middle of a Cabinet Room meeting that was meant to spotlight a new multibillion-dollar minerals deal and a renewed AUKUS commitment, a journalist from Sky News cut straight to the question: was Trump bothered by what Rudd had said about him?
Trump at first looked confused, claiming, “I don’t know anything about him”. Then, he turned to Albanese and asked, “Did an ambassador say something bad about me? Don’t tell me. Where is he? Is he still working for you?”
That’s when Albanese — likely wishing he could disappear into the carpet — gestured across the table to where Rudd was sitting as he sheepishly said, “Yeah, yeah.”
Trump then asked, “You said bad?” to which Rudd, keeping it composed, replied, “Before I took this position, Mr President.”
And then came the moment that made headlines worldwide.
“I don’t like you either,” Trump said, “And I probably never will.”
The room went dead quiet before awkward laughter trickled in — including from Albanese, who reportedly tried to lighten the mood before steering the discussion back to policy. Despite the tension, the meeting continued without further incident.
Trump was still in full presidential charm mode afterward, praising Australia as “a fantastic place”, calling Albanese “highly respected”, and confirming that the U.S. would honour AUKUS commitments — even throwing in, “Oh no, they’re getting them,” when asked if Australia would still receive the Virginia-class submarines.
For Rudd, this isn’t the first time Trump’s taken aim. In 2024, Trump had branded Rudd “nasty” and “not the brightest bulb in the shed”. Back then, he even suggested Rudd “wouldn’t be there long” as ambassador. (Spoiler: he’s still there.)
The exchange comes as Albanese works to cement his working relationship with the Trump administration, which is reviewing the U.S.’ role in the AUKUS pact and deepening energy and minerals cooperation with Australia.
Lead image: Getty / 9 News
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