Kevin Rudd

Kevin Rudd is the former Prime Minister of Australia and currently serves as the Australian Ambassador to the United States. He is stepping down from his ambassadorship in March, a year earlier than expected. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thanked Rudd for his service, stating that Rudd's next role will continue his work to advance the public interest. His replacement is being considered, with potential candidates including the head of the Department of Defence, Greg Moriarty, career diplomats, and former ministers. Moriarty has been selected for the role. Separately, Rudd's name has surfaced in a foreign interference trial, where a businessman allegedly falsely claimed that security advice provided to Chinese intelligence agents originated from Rudd. Rudd is expected to testify in the trial. His ambassadorship has been relevant to the Aukus agreement and navigating relations with the US, including the 'MAGA' base.