David Brat, Ayn Rand expert who once argued Christianity and capitalism should merge, named as US ambassador to Australia
The White House has nominated David Brat, a former Republican congressman from Virginia, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Australia, filling a vacancy that has lasted 17 months. Brat, who served two terms in the House before losing re-election in 2018, is currently a vice-president at Liberty University. The nomination requires Senate confirmation. Caroline Kennedy previously held the position until her departure in November 2024.
- ▪David Brat represented Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives for two terms.
- ▪Brat lost his re-election bid in 2018 in a close race to a Democratic challenger.
- ▪He currently serves as vice-president of business relations at Liberty University in Virginia.
- ▪The U.S. ambassador position in Australia has been vacant since November 2024.
- ▪Ambassador nominees must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
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The White House has picked a former Republican congressman to be the next US ambassador to Australia. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenThe White House has picked a former Republican congressman to be the next US ambassador to Australia. Photograph: Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesAustralia newsTrump picks former Republican congressman to be ambassador to Australia after 17-month vacancyDavid Brat represented Virginia in the House of Representatives for two termsNick VisserMon 27 Apr 2026 18.43 EDTLast modified on Mon 27 Apr 2026 18.45 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe White House has nominated David Brat, a former Republican member of the US House of Representatives, to be the next ambassador to Australia.Brat represented Virginia in Congress and served two terms before he was defeated by a Democrat in 2018 in a close race. He is currently a vice-president of business relations at Virginia’s Liberty University.In the US, ambassadors must be confirmed by the Senate.The post has been vacant for a year and a half after former ambassador Caroline Kennedy left the post in November 2024.More details soon …Explore more on these topicsAustralia newsAustralian politicsnewsShareReuse this content
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