Donald Trump’s recent U.S. election win has raised questions over Kevin Rudd’s future as Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S.
The former Prime Minister has served in the role since 2023. However, Rudd has been criticised for deleting negative social media comments he made about Trump before becoming Ambassador.
Now, some Australian politicians and U.S. officials are calling for his resignation.
So, what does an ambassador do? How do they get appointed? And does President-elect Trump have the power to remove Rudd as Ambassador?
Diplomats
A diplomat is a country’s official representative abroad. Diplomats are appointed to carry out their home country’s interests outside their borders.
Under international law, diplomats are generally immune from prosecution inside their host country. Individuals who are granted immunity cannot be prosecuted for certain criminal offences.
An ambassador is a country’s highest-ranked diplomat. They work out of an embassy — their home country’s main office overseas, typically in the host country’s capital city.
Role
An ambassador works with the Government of their host country.
Their role is often to maintain ties and raise concerns when countries disagree. The actions of ambassadors often carry political significance.
For example, when Australia pulled out of a $90 billion submarine contract with the French Government, France’s Ambassador to Australia was recalled.
Recalling is when a diplomat returns home in protest of a host country’s actions.
Appointment
There are no formal processes for appointing an ambassador.
The Government in power can choose their representative overseas. Rudd was chosen by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who announced the appointment in December 2022.
Australia’s ambassadors to the U.S. are often high-level former politicians.
The three most recent are former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (2023-present), former Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos (2020-23), and ex-Liberal Treasurer Joe Hockey (2016-2020).
Kevin Rudd
In 2020, Rudd described Trump as “the most destructive president in history”.
Trump responded to Rudd’s comments during an interview with far-right British politician and commentator Nigel Farage in March.
Farage read out some of Rudd’s criticisms, such as when he called Trump a “traitor to the West”.
Trump implied that Rudd’s future as Ambassador would be uncertain if he was re-elected President. “If [Rudd] is at all hostile he will not be there long,” Trump said.
After Trump’s election victory last week, Rudd removed old social media posts that had been critical of Trump.
Speculation is now building over Rudd’s future. This week, senior Trump official Dan Scavino re-tweeted a congratulatory statement from Rudd to Trump, with a GIF of an hourglass pouring out sand.
When Trump enters the White House in January, he will have the power to strip Rudd of his diplomatic status, forcing him to return to Australia.
Alternatively, if the Coalition wins the next election (due by May) it can appoint a new ambassador of its choice.
