Kevin Rudd has insisted he is “ready” to work with US President-elect Trump, despite previously calling him the “most destructive president in history”.
Australia’s ambassador to the United States said he has been working hard over the past year to ensure he is “well prepared for this moment.”
“And the bottom line is that we are ready,” he said in a video message to the Center for American Studies at the University of Sydney.
“The team here at the embassy and the Australian Government stand ready to work closely with the new Trump administration to continue to reap the benefits of what is a very strong economic and security partnership.”
The ambassador appeared to be selling out to Trump as he discussed Australia’s contribution of almost $4 billion to submarine production under AUKUS.
The tripartite security pact between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom could be strained under the Trump administration, who has complained in the past that allies do not put their weight behind defense deals.
‘This will represent large-scale purchases by American industry. “This is an important defense deal,” Rudd said.
‘And on top of that, we are already investing in the US submarine industrial base to expand the capacity of its shipyards. Putting these things together will give you a strong, positive message for America.
In a video message Wednesday, Rudd said he was ready to work with Trump.
‘The core value of AUKUS for all three partners is that it makes all three countries stronger than we would have been without it.
“It strengthens the three countries’ ability to deter threats, grows the defense industrial base and creates jobs in all three countries.”
Rudd, who speaks fluent Mandarin, did not mention 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 vast 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 removed from social media.
In response, Trump said Rudd was “disgusting” and would not last long in office if he returned to the White House.
US President-elect Trump previously called Rudd “disgusting” for his comments on social media.
Since the election, there has been an avalanche of calls for Rudd to resign, which increased 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 that his days in office could be numbered.
Former Trump staffer Sean Spicer also said Trump “would not forget” Rudd’s comments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended Rudd this month, saying he was “doing a good job.”
“This has been recognized across the political spectrum in Australia by people from Tony Abbott to Malcolm Turnbull, Peter Dutton and obviously the Australian government,” Albanese said.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton also expressed tentative support for Rudd.
‘It is important that you work on behalf of our country. He has contributed very effectively to public debate, especially as a former Prime Minister, and is highly respected.
“I hope he can establish a relationship with the new administration as he has with the current one.”
Rudd has completed two years of his four-year term as ambassador.