Trump Senior Advisor Signals Time Is Ticking for Australian Ambassador

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd poses for a portrait at his office in Brisbane, Australia, on Dec. 20, 2022. Rudd will be Australia's next ambassador to the United States, the government has announced. AAP Image/Darren England

Dan Scavino, senior advisor of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, posted a cryptic GIF on social media, directed at Australian Ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd.

The image, showing sand trickling through an hourglass, was paired with Rudd’s statement on Trump’s recent election win, appearing to suggest that Rudd’s time is up.

The cryptic reply has raised speculation that Rudd’s tenure may be in question with Trump’s return to the White House in January.

It comes after Rudd’s prior outspoken criticisms of Trump have resurfaced.

Rudd previously described Trump on social media as “the most destructive president in history,” a “traitor to the West,” and a “village idiot.”

After Trump’s win, these comments were quietly deleted from his account.

Scavino, a long-time associate of Trump and his former golf caddie, served closely under him in the West Wing and is likely to retain influence in the administration.

Criticisms and Diplomatic Tensions

Trump’s former press secretary, Sean Spicer, issued a cautionary statement, reminding Rudd that “Trump doesn’t forget these comments,” in a Sky News interview.

In earlier comments, Trump also responded to Rudd’s criticisms, telling UK MP and former broadcaster Nigel Farage, “If he’s at all hostile, he will not be there long.”

Some Australian officials, however, have given their support to Rudd.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Coalition leaders have voiced their support, with former prime minister Tony Abbott noting that any changes in Rudd’s role should not be due to pressure from the United States.

“I have no reason to think that Kevin is not doing a good job at present,” he said, in a podcast with the Institute of Public Affairs think tank.

He acknowledged Rudd’s efforts to make amends for past remarks, adding, “He will do whatever he humanly can to win over senior people in the incoming administration.”

He also noted the importance of being more tactful in future when making comments about U.S. president or an ex- U.S President.

“I’ve always taken the view that the American president is the leader of the free world. In effect, he’s our president as well as the American president. And we should be careful, very careful about public criticism of an American president, or indeed an American ex-president,” he said.

Calls for Diplomatic Unity and Concerns Over Trade Tariffs

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and Deputy Leader Sussan Ley have also expressed support for Rudd’s role as ambassador, citing the importance of strong diplomatic ties with the United States.

“When he does well as our ambassador, then Australia does well with respect to our relationship with the United States,” Ley told ABC news.

Former Ambassador Joe Hockey reflected on Trump’s “forgive, but don’t forget” attitude.

He, too, echoed that Rudd has been making efforts to forge relationships with officials who will join Trump’s administration, a step many see as essential to advancing Australia’s interests.