Australia’s ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, will step down early — a move announced just weeks after President Donald Trump took a public shot at the former Australian prime minister.
In a joint statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Rudd will wrap up his posting at the end of March 2026.
“It is with deep appreciation for his tireless contribution to our national interests over the last three years in Washington that we today announce the Hon Dr. Kevin Rudd AC will conclude his posting as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States at the end of March 2026,” the statement read.
Rudd’s departure is drawing attention not only for its timing, but also for the political baggage he has carried into the role. Before taking the ambassador post, Rudd had criticized Trump — comments that resurfaced recently after the president delivered a pointed jab at him.
Despite the tension, Australia’s leadership praised Rudd’s work and described his tenure as productive across party lines in Washington.
They said Rudd “delivered concrete outcomes for Australia – during both Democrat and Republican Administrations – in collaboration with our closest ally and principal strategic partner.”
Albanese and Wong also highlighted Rudd’s expertise on U.S.-China relations — a topic expected to stay central to U.S. strategy as competition with Beijing intensifies.
That background may serve Rudd in his next role leading the Asia Society, a New York-based nonprofit that promotes ties between the United States and Asia.
For his part, Rudd struck a forward-looking tone in public comments and confirmed he plans to remain in the United States after stepping down, continuing to focus on China and global strategic competition.
Rudd, who previously served as Australia’s prime minister, thanked Albanese and Wong for their “kind remarks” ahead of his departure and gave some insight into his new role.
“I will be remaining in America working between New York and Washington on the future of U.S.-China relations, which I have always believed to be the core question for the future stability of our region and the world,” Rudd wrote in an X post from his unofficial account.
On his official X account, Rudd said that “It has been an honor to serve as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States over the last three years. I thank the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister for their kind remarks today.”
