Albanese Defends Ambassador After Trump's Jibe at White House. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has strongly defended his ambassador to Washington, Kevin Rudd, after Donald Trump said he didn't like the former prime minister during a meeting at the White House. Trump's comment came after Rudd admitted to writing several now-deleted tweets from years ago calling Trump "the most destructive president in history" and even a "village idiot.” The exchange sparked laughter in the room — and Trump reportedly told Rudd moments later that "all is forgiven.” Back home, Australia's opposition leader Sussan Ley said Rudd's position was now "untenable," calling for his dismissal. But Albanese brushed off the clash as "banter" and went on to publicly praise Rudd's performance, calling him "the hardest working ambassador on The Hill.” Republican Congressman Michael McCaul even backed Rudd, saying he'd been key in advancing AUKUS, the multibillion-dollar submarine pact between Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. Albanese credited Rudd for helping secure an $8.5 billion rare earths deal during the trip — calling it proof of the ambassador's tireless work. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT