Trump-pick turns down job as US ambassador to Australia
US Senator Bob Corker turned down an offer to become his country's next ambassador to Australia.
www.sbs.com.auHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting:
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David Brat, a former Virginia congressman, has been nominated by Donald Trump to be the next U.S. ambassador to Australia. The nomination came in late April 2026, filling a vacancy in Canberra that had persisted since December 2024. Brat’s confirmation by the Senate was expected to take weeks, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying he would work with whomever is approved.[1][3][5]
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Coverage highlights the nomination as part of Trump’s second-term agenda and notes Brat’s prior political background, including his tenure in the House and affiliation with the Tea Party era, as well as his current role in Virginia-related business education circles.[2][3][1]
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There has also been some commentary on the broader U.S.-Australia relationship during this transition, including how Canberra may respond to the nomination and how it aligns with the administration’s foreign-policy priorities, such as defense cooperation and Indo-Pacific engagement. Australian officials indicated willingness to engage with the nominee once formally approved.[3][1]
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Notably, ABC News reported that Brat spoke at his confirmation hearing about priorities like critical minerals, commercial diplomacy, defense cooperation, and Indo-Pacific partnerships, signaling the scope of his focus if confirmed.[10]
If you’d like, I can pull more details on Brat’s background, the Senate confirmation timeline, or reactions from Canberra and Canberra press, and I can add brief summaries of each source with citations.