‘I don’t like you either’: Trump’s awkward White House showdown with Australian envoy Kevin Rudd

U.S. President Donald Trump and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold a signed agreement on rare earth and critical minerals during a meeting with in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, D.C. (REUTERS)

An awkward moment unfolded at the White House on Monday when US President Donald Trump clashed with Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd during a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The exchange highlighted long-standing friction between Trump and Rudd, who has been critical of the former president in the past. When an Australian reporter asked Trump if he had concerns about Albanese’s administration or Rudd’s earlier remarks about him, Trump responded, “I don’t know anything about him,” seemingly unaware that Rudd was present in the room.

🚨 Funniest. President. EVER.

REPORTER: The Australian ambassador said something bad about you. TRUMP: Where is he? You said something bad? AMBASSADOR: Before I took this position... TRUMP: I don't like YOU either. I probably NEVER WILL! *Room erupts in laughter* 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/cVvnplejds — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 20, 2025

Trump then asked Rudd if he had “done something bad” and whether he was still part of the Australian government. Rudd replied, “Before I took this position, Mr. President.” Later, during their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump reportedly told Rudd, “I don’t like you either, and I probably never will.”

The tension stems from comments Rudd made in 2020, calling Trump “the most destructive president in history.” Trump had earlier fired back, labelling Rudd “nasty” and “not the brightest bulb in the shed.”

The awkward exchange came as Prime Minister Albanese aimed to strengthen ties with the Trump administration, which is reviewing the US role in the multibillion-dollar AUKUS defence pact with Australia and the United Kingdom. Despite the friction, both sides signed a new deal to enhance cooperation on rare earths and critical minerals—seen as a key step in reducing dependence on China.