Trump Criticizes Former Aussie PM Rudd Amid Albania White House Meeting

During a high-profile meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, over his past derogatory remarks about Trump, calling him a "village idiot" and a "traitor to the West." When reminded of these comments, Trump bluntly told Rudd, "I don't like you and I probably never will," sparking an awkward exchange that drew laughter from both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and others present. Despite the tension, Albanese and Trump appeared to maintain a cordial relationship, with Albanese praising Trump's foreign policy and inviting him to visit Australia. The incident highlighted the complex dynamics in US-Australia relations, especially with Rudd's controversial history and the ongoing importance of the AUKUS security pact. Some Australian political figures, including MP Bridget McKenzie, criticized the ambassador's position as untenable following the public rebuke. However, former ambassador Arthur Sinodinos suggested such diplomatic friction is not unusual and does not necessarily imply immediate changes to Rudd's role.