Donald Trump has told Australia's ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, "I don't like you, and I probably never will" to his face.

Mr Rudd was surrounded by journalists when he received the brutal remark while sitting across from Anthony Albanese and Mr Trump in the White House Cabinet Room.

It was the first in-person meeting between Mr Albanese and Mr Trump.

The prime minister and Australian ministers laughed off the exchange, but the federal opposition said it was "untenable" for Mr Rudd to continue as ambassador.

His suitability for the role has been under a cloud since Mr Trump's election victory.

Despite previously calling the former prime minister "not the brightest bulb", Mr Trump indicated he did not know Mr Rudd when he was asked by a journalist whether their relationship was beh

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