Anthony Albanese’s choice of Kevin Rudd to be Australia’s top diplomat in Washington always stood out for being ripe with potential but laden with risk. That’s precisely how it turned out.

Like his first prime ministership, Rudd’s stint as ambassador was full of drama and ended prematurely – even if, this time around, he had more say in the timing of his departure.

As a former prime minister and world-renowned China expert, Rudd brought unique gravitas to the role. Working with the Biden administration – which was stacked with left-leaning policy wonks – during the first two years of his posting played to his strengths. His prodigious work ethic was on full display as he assiduously courted Democratic and Republican congresspeople.

Kevin Rudd brought gravitas to the role but also baggage. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

On the downside, his ambassadorship has been a distraction, and at times an irritant, in Australia’s most important strategic relationship from the moment Trump emerged as the leading Republican contender for the 2024 presidential election.

Before his appointment, Rudd excoriated Trump as “nuts”, called him “the most destructive president in history”, and described........

© The Sydney Morning Herald