Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Australian Defence Chief to Replace Rudd as US Ambassador
The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, announced that Greg Moriarty, who is currently the head of the Australian Department of Defence, will be the new ambassador to the United States.
This change is happening because the current ambassador, Kevin Rudd, decided to leave his job earlier than planned.
Rudd, who used to be the Prime Minister of Australia, had some disagreements with the U.S. President, Donald Trump, which led to his decision to step down.
The U.S. government is happy with the new choice for ambassador.
Greg Moriarty, the current secretary of the Department of Defence, will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia's ambassador to the U.S.
The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on January 25, 2020.
Kevin Rudd will step down a year earlier than expected, finishing his posting in March 2020.
Rudd's early departure follows criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly stated his disapproval.
The Trump administration has been informed of Moriarty’s selection and is happy with it.
- Who
- Greg Moriarty, the current secretary of the Department of Defence, will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia's ambassador to the U.S.
- What
- Greg Moriarty has been appointed as the new Australian ambassador to the United States.
- When
- The announcement was made on January 25, 2020, and Rudd's term will end in March 2020.
- Where
- The announcement was made in Sydney, Australia, and pertains to the U.S. embassy.
- Why
- Kevin Rudd decided to step down a year earlier than expected following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Current Ambassador
- Kevin Rudd
- New Ambassador
- Greg Moriarty
- Current Role of New Ambassador
- Secretary of the Department of Defence
- Announcement Date
- January 25, 2020
- Expected End of Rudd's Term
- March 2020
- Announcer
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- Trump's Reaction
- Happy with the selection