“I don’t like you either. And I probably never will,” US President Donald Trump told Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd at the White House cabinet room table.

It was the testiest and most uncomfortable remark at a typically freewheeling and chaotic presidential press conference.

But it was quickly followed by laughter across the packed room: the guffaws coming as if a pressure valve had been released in Australian government and diplomatic circles.

A half-hour later, following a remarkably drama-free and warm meeting between Trump and the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese , Rudd was heard to apologise to the president, leaning over the table to say sorry to the man he called a “village idiot” four years ago. Albanese at the White House: Trump endorses Aukus, signs $8.5bn r

See Full Page