Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come out in strong support of Ambassador Kevin Rudd following a tense exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump, dismissing the moment as harmless banter despite opposition calls for Rudd’s removal.

The incident occurred Monday during a White House meeting when Trump was asked about Rudd’s now-deleted 2020 tweets, which had labeled him “the most destructive president in history,” a “traitor to the West,” and a “village idiot.” Rudd, who served as Australia’s prime minister from 2007 to 2010 and briefly in 2013, acknowledged the remarks and responded with a quip that reportedly drew laughter. According to sources close to the meeting, Trump later told Rudd, “All is forgiven.”

Albanese, concluding a two-day U.S. visit that secured an $8.5 billion rare earths deal, brushed off the controversy during a Friends of Australia breakfast with U.S. lawmakers. “If there’s a harder working ambassador on The Hill, then please let me know—Kevin works his guts out and he seems to know everyone,” Albanese said, crediting Rudd for progress on the Aukus submarine pact and the minerals agreement vital to Australia’s engagement with Africa.

Republican Congressman Michael McCaul added levity, joking that Rudd remained “gainfully employed,” reflecting bipartisan appreciation for the ambassador’s efforts.

However, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley condemned Rudd’s continued posting, calling his position “untenable” in light of Trump’s remarks. “Trump’s comments mean Rudd’s position is untenable,” she said, reigniting debate over Rudd’s past criticisms during Trump’s first term, a period marked by strained U.S.-Australia relations over trade and security.

The episode has broader implications for global diplomacy, particularly in Africa, where Trump’s “America First” stance has led to reduced aid and trade tensions—from USAID cuts in Nigeria to tariff threats against South African exports.

For Nigeria and the continent, the dust-up underscores the delicate balance diplomats must strike in an era where past tweets can resurface as diplomatic flashpoints.