Kevin Rudd Ends Washington Posting Early to Take Up Global Think‑Tank Role

Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr Kevin Rudd, will conclude his posting in Washington one year ahead of schedule, stepping down on 31 March 2026 to assume a senior leadership role at the Asia Society. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who emphasised that the decision was Rudd’s own and not requested by the United States or the Trump administration.

Why Rudd Is Leaving Early

Dr Rudd, who served twice as Australia’s prime minister before being appointed ambassador in 2023, will become Global President of the Asia Society and head its Centre for China Analysis, returning to a role he previously held before entering diplomatic service.

The Asia Society is a prominent international relations think tank with a strong focus on US–Asia engagement, and Rudd is widely regarded as a leading global voice on China policy.

Achievements During His Tenure

Despite a politically complex environment, including a change of US administration in 2024, Rudd is credited with several significant diplomatic outcomes:

🔹 Strengthening AUKUS

Rudd played a central role in securing bipartisan US congressional support for the AUKUS security pact, enabling Australia’s acquisition of nuclear‑powered submarines.

🔹 Critical Minerals & Rare Earths Deal

He helped negotiate a $3 billion critical minerals and rare earths agreement between Australia and the US, aimed at reducing reliance on China in key supply chains.

🔹 Julian Assange Case

Rudd contributed to diplomatic efforts that led to the release of Australian citizen Julian Assange in 2024, a development publicly acknowledged by the Albanese government.

🔹 Bipartisan Relationship‑Building

Both Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong praised Rudd for cultivating relationships across Congress, the Senate, and civil society, spanning both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Tensions With President Trump

Rudd’s tenure was not without controversy. His past criticisms of Donald Trump, including calling him “the most destructive president in history,” resurfaced after Trump’s 2024 re‑election. This led to several awkward public exchanges:

• During an October 2025 meeting, Trump told Rudd:
  “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will.”
• Rudd had previously deleted older tweets critical of Trump after taking up the ambassadorial role.

Despite these moments, Albanese insisted the relationship was functional and that Trump “looks forward to these issues.

Government Response

Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Wong offered strong public endorsements:

• Albanese thanked Rudd for “tireless service” and for advancing Australia’s interests with its closest security ally.
• Wong described him as an “excellent ambassador” who delivered “deep, enduring relationships across the political divide.

A replacement ambassador will be announced at a later date.

What’s Next for Kevin Rudd

Rudd will transition to his new role at the Asia Society immediately after leaving Washington. The position is influential in global policy circles and aligns with his long‑standing expertise in China–US relations.