Kevin Rudd to remain as ambassador to the US, PM says
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed Kevin Rudd will remain as Australia's ambassador to the US, despite calls for his sacking over his previous criticism of President-elect Donald Trump.
Rudd had come under scrutiny after he deleted old social media posts critical of Trump in the wake of last week's election result.
In previous remarks, he labelled Trump "the most destructive president in history" and a "traitor to the West".
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Kevin Rudd will remain as Australia's ambassador to the US, the prime minister says. Alex Ellinghausen
Today, Albanese said Rudd has been "a very good ambassador" and maintained he would remain in his role.
The prime minister pointed to Rudd's role in solidifying the AUKUS pact and the strong links he developed with the US Congress and the Senate.
"He continues to do the job. He has developed relationships across the political spectrum in the United States, as I expect any ambassador to do," he told Sky News today.
"That's why he received praise from people such as Tony Abbott, as well as Malcolm Turnbull, as well as Peter Dutton, for the job that he's been doing."
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Albanese and his government have repeatedly backed Rudd as ambassador following Trump's election win.
Rudd has also received support from some unlikely corners of Australian politics, including former Liberal prime ministers Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott.
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