Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Kevin Rudd's role as ambassador to the US is untenable and urged the prime minister to "back him or sack him" after his awkward exchange with Donald Trump.
A reporter asked Trump why it had taken him nine months into his term as president to meet with Anthony Albanese – and whether Rudd's since-deleted critical remarks about him had anything to do with it.
Prior to being appointed ambassador in 2022, Rudd had posted remarks online labelling Trump "the most destructive president in history" and "a traitor to the West".
Trump plainly told Rudd "I don't like you and I probably never will" after the former prime minister was pointed out to him at the cabinet table.
Following the meeting, Trump was reportedly overheard telling Rudd that "all is f