David Brat: Trump picks former Republican congressman to be US ambassador to Australia after 17-month vacancy
David Brat has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the next US ambassador to Australia, filling a 15-month vacancy. Brat, a former Republican congressman from Virginia, has a background in economics and theology. His nomination comes at a time of heightened tensions in the US-Australian alliance regarding international conflicts.
- ▪David Brat served two terms in Congress until 2018 when he was defeated by a Democrat.
- ▪His nomination follows the departure of former ambassador Caroline Kennedy in November 2024.
- ▪Brat has previously expressed controversial views on international relations, including a call for Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia.
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David Brat as a Republican congressman in 2014. The White House has nominated him to be the next US ambassador to Australia. Photograph: Steve Helber/APView image in fullscreenDavid Brat as a Republican congressman in 2014. The White House has nominated him to be the next US ambassador to Australia. Photograph: Steve Helber/APAustralia newsDavid Brat, Ayn Rand expert who once argued Christianity and capitalism should merge, named as US ambassador to AustraliaRepublican, who has Masters of Divinity, represented Virginia in Congress for two terms Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Tom McIlroy and Nick VisserMon 27 Apr 2026 22.35 EDTFirst published on Mon 27 Apr 2026 18.43 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on…
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