Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Washington, D.C. — A diplomatic encounter took a tense turn when U.S. President Donald Trump openly confronted Australia’s Ambassador to Washington, Kevin Rudd, during a meeting with the Australian delegation at the White House.
An Australian reporter had asked President Trump whether past remarks made by Ambassador Rudd had affected his perception of the Anthony Albanese administration.
Rudd, who previously served as Australia’s Prime Minister, had in 2020 described Trump on social media as the “most destructive president in U.S. history.” The post, which resurfaced after Trump’s electoral victory in November 2024, was later deleted by Rudd, who said he removed it “out of respect for the office of the president.”
During the meeting, Trump initially appeared not to recognize Rudd at the table. But upon realizing who he was, the U.S. President made his feelings unmistakably clear.
“I don’t like you, and I probably never will,” Trump said, according to witnesses present at the meeting.
The unexpected remark reportedly left the room momentarily silent before the discussions continued. While neither the White House nor the Australian Embassy has issued an official statement on the exchange, diplomatic observers say the incident highlights lingering tensions between Trump and some foreign leaders critical of his previous administration.
The Albanese government, however, is expected to maintain its long-standing alliance with the U.S., focusing on trade, defense cooperation, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, despite the personal friction between the two men.
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