Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the United States and a former prime minister, has stepped down from his diplomatic post after a tenure marked by past criticism of President Donald Trump.

Rudd, who began his role in March 2023 under President Joe Biden’s administration, announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing a new position as global president of the Asia Society think tank and head of its Center for China Analysis, with his term ending on March 31, 2026, as confirmed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The resignation has reignited discussion about Rudd’s earlier social media posts, deleted before his Washington appointment, where he harshly criticized Trump, calling him a “village idiot” and “the most destructive president in history,” according to multiple reports.

Rudd’s Past Remarks Resurface

Critics have pointed out that Rudd’s old tweets, which also labeled Trump a “traitor to the West,” cast a shadow over his diplomatic credibility, especially given the critical alliance between Australia and the United States, Newsweek reported.

During a White House meeting in October, Rudd acknowledged his prior statements, only to be met with a blunt response from Trump, who said, “I don’t like you either and I probably never will.”

That exchange, while candid, underscores the tension that lingered despite a White House official’s comment to Newsweek that “Ambassador Rudd worked well with President Trump and the administration. We wish him well.”

Diplomatic Tenure and Transition

Let’s unpack that White House statement—while it’s polite on the surface, it feels like a diplomatic pat on the back rather than a heartfelt endorsement, especially after Trump’s personal rebuff.

Rudd’s departure, originally set for 2027, comes early as he shifts focus to U.S.-China relations, a pivot he described as vital for global stability while announcing he’ll remain in America working between New York and Washington.

Prime Minister Albanese praised Rudd’s contributions, noting he “delivered concrete outcomes for Australia,” though one wonders if those outcomes outweighed the baggage of his past rhetoric.

Political Reactions and Criticism

Not everyone is singing Rudd’s praises, as Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, took to X to argue he was unfit for the role, especially after Trump’s public dismissal in October.

Hanson’s critique cuts to a deeper concern—Australia’s relationship with the U.S. is too important to risk on diplomats who’ve burned bridges before even stepping foot in Washington.

While Rudd called his tenure an “honour” on X, the question remains whether his sharp tongue from years past ultimately dulled his effectiveness in such a sensitive post.

Future of Australia’s U.S. Representation

As Rudd prepares to exit on March 31, 2026, no successor has been named, though Albanese assured a replacement would be announced “in due course.”

The stakes couldn’t be higher—Australia needs a steady hand in Washington, not someone who might trip over old social media skeletons or clash with key figures on day one.

With U.S.-China tensions simmering, Rudd’s new role at Asia Society might keep him relevant, but his diplomatic legacy will likely be debated for years as a cautionary tale of words coming back to haunt.