2 weeks Ago By Andrew Brown
Anthony Albanese has rejected suggestions Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd would be removed from the post if Donald Trump regains the White House. As the US election enters its final days, the prime minister reiterated Australia would continue to work closely with American officials regardless of who won the poll. While concerns had previously been raised about Mr Rudd remaining as ambassador to the US after former criticism of Mr Trump, Mr Albanese backed the work being carried out in Washington.
"Australia decides who our ambassador is, and Mr Rudd is doing a terrific job," he told ABC Radio on Monday. "We engage with people across the US political system. When I was in the United States, I met with Republicans, I met with the Democrats.
" Mr Trump had previously described Mr Rudd as "nasty" and said he would not last long as ambassador if he was re-elected. The polls tip a tight contest as Mr Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris make their final pitches to US voters before Tuesday's election, with results coming through on Wednesday, Australian time. More than 70 million Americans have already cast their ballot, and the outcome is set to come down to results in a handful of swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Nevada.
Mr Albanese played down concerns on voter unrest in the US following the outcome of vote. "We're seeing democracy taking place there in the United States. It is the democratic values that we share, it''s the basis of our fundamental relationship", he said.
"It's a relationship between nations, not a relationship just between people. "I've had a very good relationship with President Biden, I've met with him on a number of occasions and we have worked together constructively and the interests of both of our nations.".
