During a White House meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Donald Trump expressed clear disdain for Australia’s ambassador to the US, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. When asked about Rudd’s prior criticisms of him, Trump said I don’t like you either and I probably never will,” directly addressing Rudd, who was sitting across from him.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd, “I don’t like you either And I probably never will,” during a meeting at the White House drawing laughter from officials and journalists in the room.
The exchange came during a freewheeling press conference following a meeting between Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Despite the pointed remark, the mood in the room quickly lightened, with both leaders laughing as the tension dissipated. According to Australian sources, Rudd later leaned over the table to apologise to Trump for calling him a “village idiot” in a 2021 interview. Trump reportedly replied, “All is forgiven.”
For months, conservative commentators had speculated that Trump remained angry at Rudd’s past criticism, suggesting it could strain relations with Canberra. But in person, Trump appeared unconcerned, even seeming not to recognise the former Australian prime minister at first. He instead focused on praising Albanese and signing a critical minerals deal between the two countries.
Trump said I don’t like you either
When an Australian reporter raised Rudd’s past comments, Trump initially appeared confused. “Did an ambassador say something?” he asked. “I don’t know anything about him. If he said bad, maybe he’d like to apologise. Don’t tell me.”
After Albanese pointed out that Rudd was seated nearby, Trump turned to him, saying with mock seriousness: “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will,” prompting laughter throughout the room before he moved on to another question.
The light-hearted exchange contrasted with Trump’s reputation for holding grudges. In the same meeting, one of his former rivals, Senator Marco Rubio whom Trump once mocked as “Little Marco” sat beside him as U.S. Secretary of State.
For Albanese, the meeting marked a successful visit. Trump reaffirmed support for the AUKUS security pact, downplayed concerns about Australia’s defence spending, and signed an agreement on critical minerals worth billions.
As the press conference concluded, witnesses said Rudd again offered an apology to Trump, who appeared to accept it in good humour.
