Kevin Rudd has insisted he is ‘ready’ to work with newly-elected US President Trump – despite previously calling him the ‘most destructive president in history’.
Australia’s ambassador to the US said he had worked hard over the past year to ensure he was “well prepared for this moment”.
“And the bottom line is we are ready,” he said in a video message to the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Center.
“The team here at the Embassy and the Government of Australia are prepared to work closely with the new Trump Administration to continue to realize the benefits of a very strong economic and security partnership.”
The ambassador appeared to sell himself to Trump when he spoke about Australia’s contribution of almost $4 billion to submarine production under AUKUS.
The three-way security pact between Australia, the US and Britain could come under pressure under Trump, who has complained in the past that allies are not doing their part in defense arrangements.
“This will represent large-scale purchases from US industry. That is an important defense deal,” Rudd said.
“And on top of that, we are already investing in America’s submarine industrial base to expand the capacity of their shipyards. Put these things together and it represents a strong, positive message for America.
In a video message on Wednesday, Rudd said he was ready to work with Trump
‘The fundamental value of AUKUS for all three partners is that it makes all three countries stronger than we would have been without AUKUS.
“It strengthens the ability of all three countries to deter threats, and it expands the defense industrial base and creates jobs in all three countries.”
Rudd, who speaks fluent Mandarin, made no mention of possible tariffs on Chinese goods under Trump.
But he added that “the Indo-Pacific would not have enjoyed long periods of stability and prosperity without the United States” and its security guarantee for the region.
“America’s network of alliances is an unparalleled network with enormous reach, and each of these alliances and partnerships is a force multiplier.”
Rudd previously called Trump a “traitor to the West” and a “village idiot” and described him as the “most destructive president in history” – comments he has since deleted from social media.
In response, Trump said Rudd was “nasty” and that he would not last long in the role if he returned to the White House.
US President-elect Trump previously called Rudd ‘nasty’ for his comments on social media
Since the election, there has been a groundswell of calls for Rudd’s resignation, which intensified following the appointment of Dan Scavino as Trump’s deputy chief of staff.
Scavino posted an ominous GIF of an hourglass in response to Rudd’s official statement congratulating Trump on his victory on November 7, suggesting his days in the role could be numbered.
Former Trump aide Sean Spicer also said Trump “wouldn’t forget” Rudd’s comments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Rudd this month, saying he was “doing a good job”.
“That is recognized across the political spectrum in Australia from people from Tony Abbott to Malcolm Turnbull to Peter Dutton and of course the Australian government,” Albanese said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also expressed cautious support for Rudd.
‘It is important that he works in the name of our country. He has made a very effective contribution to the public debate and is highly respected, especially as a former Prime Minister.
“I hope he can build a relationship with the new government, as he has done with the current government.”
Rudd is two years into his four-year term as ambassador.