Trump Confronts Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd in Tense White House Meeting

Donald Trump and Kevin Rudd found themselves in a tense face-to-face encounter across the White House cabinet table during what was meant to be a diplomatic meeting.

During Monday's meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Donald Trump openly expressed his disapproval of Australia's ambassador, former prime minister Kevin Rudd, creating an awkward diplomatic moment.

When questioned by a reporter about Rudd's previous criticisms, Trump suggested that perhaps Rudd "would like to apologize" before turning to Albanese and asking, "Where is he? Is he still working for you?"

Albanese responded with an uncomfortable smile before indicating Rudd, who was seated directly opposite them at the table.

As Rudd began explaining that his comments were made "before I took this position, Mr. President," Trump interrupted with a blunt declaration: "I don't like you either. I don't. And I probably never will."

The comment prompted nervous laughter from officials before the press quickly moved to another question.

Despite the uncomfortable exchange, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong later downplayed the incident, describing Trump's remarks as "clearly tongue-in-cheek" in an interview with Australia's Nine Network.

"We heard the laughter. We know that we had a very successful meeting and full credit to Kevin," Wong stated.

The tension stems from Rudd's past social media posts while Trump was out of office, in which the former Australian prime minister had harshly criticized Trump. Rudd had called him the "most destructive president in history" and a "traitor to the West" who "drags America and democracy through the mud."

These comments were deleted after Trump won his return to the White House.

Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking former diplomat, had been appointed ambassador during President Joe Biden's administration, with Australia hoping his China expertise would provide valuable influence in Washington.

Trump had previously signaled his displeasure with Rudd during last year's campaign, calling him "nasty" and predicting he would not last long as ambassador in an interview with British politician Nigel Farage.

The submarine deal confirmation between the two nations proceeded despite the personal tension, highlighting the complex nature of international relations when personal history intersects with diplomatic responsibilities.