US President Donald Trump has announced his selection for the next American ambassador to Australia, more than a year after the Republican leader returned to the White House. Former Virginia congressman David Brat has been nominated for the ambassadorial role, which has remained vacant since 2024.
Brat's political background
Mr Brat represented Virginia's seventh congressional district in the US House of Representatives as a Republican. He was first elected in 2014 and served two terms before losing his seat in 2018. During that campaign, Trump endorsed Brat, publicly calling him 'a powerful vote for MAGA'.
Appointment process
The ambassador position is yet to be finalised, as the appointment requires ratification by the US Senate. If successful, Mr Brat will succeed Caroline Kennedy in the role of ambassador to Australia. In the interim, career diplomat Erika Olson has served as chargé d'affaires since Kennedy departed the post.
Caroline Kennedy's tenure
Ms Kennedy, the only surviving child of former Democratic president John F. Kennedy, was appointed under the Biden administration. She left the role in 2024, leaving the post vacant.
Brat's current role
Brat is currently a senior vice president for business relations at Liberty University in Virginia, where he previously served as dean of the business school.
Historical context
During his first term, Trump left the Australian ambassadorship unfilled for almost two years before making an appointment in 2019. He ultimately chose Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., a long-time Republican operative who had served as an adviser to Ronald Reagan.
