Kevin Rudd exits Washington early, shaking Canberra’s US playbook

Kevin Rudd will step down as Australia’s ambassador to the US at the end of March, a year ahead of schedule.

The government is praising his record on AUKUS, critical minerals and tech ties, but the timing is fuelling talk of Trump-era tensions and political friction in Washington.

With succession now urgent, the real test is whether Australia can replace Rudd’s diplomatic weight without losing ground with its most important ally.