Kevin Rudd to Step Down Early as Australia's US Ambassador

Australia's ambassador to the United States, Kevin Rudd, will step down from his post at the end of March, a year earlier than originally scheduled.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Mr Rudd will formally resign on March 31, saying the decision was made by the ambassador himself.

Mr Albanese paid tribute to Mr Rudd's diplomatic efforts in Washington, highlighting his role in strengthening Australia's alliance with the United States, advancing the AUKUS security partnership, and helping secure the release of Julian Assange in 2024.

"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," Mr Albanese said.

Mr Rudd, who served as Australia's prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and briefly again in 2013, was appointed ambassador in March 2023. His tenure coincided with a change in US leadership following the re-election of Donald Trump in 2024.

During that period, Mr Rudd was forced to delete historical social media posts in which he had previously criticised Mr Trump, including comments describing him as a "traitor to the West" and the "most destructive president in history".

Despite the diplomatic sensitivities, Mr Rudd played a central role in deepening bilateral cooperation, including helping finalise a $3 billion critical minerals and rare earths agreement aimed at countering China's dominance in the sector.

At a press conference marking the deal, Mr Trump publicly told Mr Rudd, "I don't like you, and I probably never will," in response to a journalist's question about the ambassador's past criticism.

Mr Albanese credited Mr Rudd's work in Washington with strengthening economic ties and ensuring progress on the AUKUS agreement, noting he had visited the United States seven times during his prime ministership.

The federal government said a replacement ambassador will be announced in due course.