‘Unshakeable’: Ambassador’s call on US election
Written by admin on November 6, 2024
The United States’ ambassador to Australia has weighed in on what a change in the White House might mean for Australia, as polls start to close across the US.
Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of US president John F. Kennedy, took up the diplomatic posting in Canberra in July 2022.
If Republican nominee Donald Trump wins against Democrat Kamala Harris, Ms Kennedy could be out of the job, as it is customary for US ambassadors to resign when the administration that appoints them is voted out.
But the US envoy said on Wednesday relations between Australia and the US would continue to deepen regardless of who was president, calling Australia “the most trusted capable ally”.
“One of the things that I say every single day here in Australia is how strong its alliance is and how unshakeable and how much stronger it’s growing everyday,” she told the ABC.
“I have seen that first-hand since I have been here.
“So no matter who wins the election, the fundamentals are there and only getting stronger.”
She pointed to the trilateral AUKUS security pact between Australia, the US and the United Kingdom, as well as two-way trade and Australia’s role in supplying critical minerals to the US.
“So there’s just so many things to bring us together,” Ms Kennedy said.
“That’s not going to change.”
Meanwhile, questions have been looming about Australian Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd in the event of a second Trump presidency.
The former Labor prime minister has called Mr Trump “nuts”, the “most destructive president in history” and a “traitor to the West”.
Mr Trump has called Mr Rudd “nasty” and “not the brightest bulb”.
“If he’s at all hostile, he will not be there long,” the former president said in an interview earlier this year.
The verbal barbs have prompted the opposition to question if Mr Rudd would be able to serve Australia effectively if the Republicans won.
Election eve polling put Mr Trump and Ms Harris neck and neck ahead of the vote on Tuesday (local time).
Candidate need to secure 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
