Barnaby Joyce has renewed his demand for a new Australian ambassador to the US after Donald Trump pledged to increase tariffs on steel and aluminium to 50 percent.
The Coalition’s outspoken figure said on Monday that Australia’s ongoing failure to secure an exemption stems from Kevin Rudd, who has served as Canberra’s envoy in Washington since 2023.
Mr. Rudd, a former Labor prime minister, has been highly critical of President Trump over the years, calling him a “village idiot,” “nuts,” the “most destructive president in history,” and a “traitor to the West.”
In response, Mr. Trump has labeled Mr. Rudd as “nasty” and “not the brightest bulb.”
Mr. Joyce acknowledged that while Mr. Rudd is a “good guy,” he is not effective in the role. “Kevin Rudd is a good guy but he’s not kicking a goal in the United States,” the Nationals MP told Seven’s Sunrise.
“There is a difference in the relationship between him and the Trump administration.
“I believe the first step is to find another position for Kevin and appoint an ambassador who can work more closely with the United States.
“You can’t have the Australian ambassador failing to make connections at the highest levels in the US.”
When asked if Mr. Rudd was the sole issue, Mr. Joyce said, “I think we can do better for the United States.”
“I’m not saying he’s a bad ambassador, but he’s not suited for the United States,” adding it’s “quite apparent” Mr. Rudd “just isn’t clicking” with President Trump.
So far, only the UK has secured an exemption from the US tariffs, though analysts have questioned that deal since London had to grant US companies broader access to parts of the British economy to secure it.
Mr. Rudd retains strong support from Labor, with the Albanese government crediting him for much of the diplomatic groundwork on AUKUS.
Veteran Liberals have also defended him, including former political opponents.
Speaking against Mr. Joyce’s criticism, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek praised Mr. Rudd.
“Kevin has had an extraordinarily active time as ambassador,” she said.
“He has excellent relationships with both Republicans and Democrats.”
Plibersek described Mr. Rudd as “hardworking” and possessing “enormous capacity.”
“He’s an excellent ambassador, and ultimately, Australia chooses our ambassadors,” she added.
“We don’t let other countries pick them for us.”
Over the weekend, Mr. Trump announced on social media that it was his “great honor to raise the tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday, June 4th.”
“Our steel and aluminium industries are coming back like never before,” he wrote.
“This will be yet another BIG jolt of great news for our wonderful steel and aluminium workers. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell condemned the tariffs as “unjustified and not the act of a friend.”
“They represent economic self-harm that will only hurt consumers and businesses dependent on free and fair trade,” he said in a Saturday statement.
“We will continue to engage and advocate strongly for the removal of the tariffs.”
Mr. Farrell noted that last month a deal was before the Trump administration, with the decision now resting in the US’s hands.
