“I Don’t Like You Either”: Trump’s Awkward Exchange with Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd

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A general White House meeting took an interesting turn when President Donald Trump bluntly told the Australian Ambassador, Kevin Rudd, "I don't like you either... and I probably never will." This unconventional exchange, following Rudd's past public criticisms of Trump, created a moment of political drama.

Is the US-Australia relationship truly on solid ground, or did this personal insult expose deeper tensions? Explore the full context of the exchange that overshadowed a bilateral meeting.

Trump’s Awkward Exchange with Australian Ambassador

At a meeting focused on a submarine deal between the US and Australia, an awkward interaction between Trump and the Australian Ambassador, Kevin Rudd, led to certain uneasiness. The incident happened when Donald Trump was asked about Rudd’s past criticism of him by a reporter. In reply, the US president said, “Maybe he’ll like to apologise.”

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Facing the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, he added, “Where is he? Is he still working for you?” Albanese smiled awkwardly, gesturing to Rudd, who was sitting in front of them. 

Shortly after, Mr. Rudd said, “That was before I took this position, Mr. President.” However, Trump cut his speech short, saying, “I don’t like you either. I don’t. And I probably never will.”

What Comments Were Passed by Kevin Rudd?

Kevin Rudd, the former prime minister of Australia, in one of his past speeches, had called Donald Trump the “most destructive President in history” and a “traitor to the West” who “drags America and democracy through the mud.” Trump was not in power when Mr. Rudd sharply criticized him. Following this criticism, Donald Trump, in an interview with British politician Nigel Farage, regarded Kevin Rudd as “nasty” and also said that he would not last long as the Australian Ambassador. 

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The candid, personal exchange between President Trump and Ambassador Rudd made headlines, providing a rare friction in high-level diplomacy. However, the meeting's main agenda, notably the signing of a major rare-earth minerals agreement and discussions on the AUKUS submarine deal, reinforce the enduring strategic importance of the US-Australia partnership.

Despite the public awkwardness, both leaders continued their discussion on important security and economic interests. Therefore, the incident appears to be an isolated personal exchange.