Australia’s US envoy Kevin Rudd gets ominous hint from ex-Trump aide on his future

Rudd has deleted his anti-Trump social media posts, including one describing him as ‘the most destructive president in history’

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Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd speaks at an event at in Washington in 2022. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:43pm, 13 Nov 2024Updated: 3:13pm, 13 Nov 2024

A former adviser to US President-elect Donald Trump has apparently fired a warning shot to Australian envoy Kevin Rudd over his future in Washington as the former prime minister’s past feud with Trump resurfaces ahead of the Republican’s return to the White House.

Dan Scavino on Tuesday responded to Rudd’s post on X congratulating Trump on his re-election with an animated GIF showing sand trickling down an hourglass, reportedly signalling the diplomat’s days in Washington are numbered.

Rudd, who was appointed as Australia’s ambassador to the United States in 2023, has deleted his multiple anti-Trump posts that previously described the incoming leader as “nuts” and “the most destructive president in history”.

In a message to Trump last week, Rudd said Australia “looks forward to working closely” with him and his new administration.

Scavino served as the White House deputy chief of staff for communications and director of social media during Trump’s first term in office.

Rudd’s attempt to draw a line under the saga was also complicated by an old video of him calling the flamboyant politician a “village idiot”, which reappeared this week in the media and has earned a rebuke from another Trump aide.