Former US Congressman David Brat confirmed as ambassador to Australia

Former Virginia congressman David Brat has been confirmed by the US Senate to serve as the next US ambassador to Australia, filling a position vacant for 18 months. Brat's appointment was among over 70 votes passed by Republicans before the Senate's summer recess.

Nominated by Donald Trump in April, the 61-year-old Brat previously served two terms in Congress until 2018. He also held a position as vice-president of business relations at Liberty University. The ambassadorial post became available in November 2024 when Caroline Kennedy concluded her term.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously stated he would work with any nominee Trump put forward. Brat, described in 2010 by Time magazine as a "Tea Party professor" and an admirer of Ayn Rand, has expressed views advocating for a merger of capitalism and Christianity, suggesting less reliance on government. He gained prominence in 2014 by defeating then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a primary election.

Brat's arrival in Australia coincides with a period of strained US-Australia relations, notably marked by former President Trump's imposition of 12.5% tariffs on numerous Australian exports in July. Australia's trade minister at the time urged the removal of these tariffs, deeming them inconsistent with the US-Australia free trade agreement.

Furthermore, Brat's tenure begins around the 75th anniversary of the Anzus treaty, a security pact concerning Pacific defense. This also follows Australia's May announcement to acquire three secondhand American nuclear submarines under the $370 billion Aukus deal, a modification from the initially planned two secondhand and one new submarine. While the Albanese government remains committed to Aukus, some within the ruling Labor party have voiced concerns about the revised plan.

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We respect the sovereignty of countries to put forward ambassadors just like we expect our choices to be endorsed.