Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has retracted her earlier statement regarding Kevin Rudd's role as Australia's ambassador to the United States. Ley had described Rudd's position as "untenable" following a tense exchange with President Donald Trump, who told Rudd, "I don't like you, and I probably never will," during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Despite the awkward moment, the meeting has been characterized as a success, with Albanese reportedly achieving favorable outcomes on key issues. This morning, Albanese praised Rudd's efforts, stating that no one has worked harder to secure these results.

Ley's comments sparked discussion among her colleagues. Senator Jane Hume, a member of Ley's backbench, was asked if she agreed with Ley's call for Rudd's resignation. Hume responded, "The call for Kevin Rudd to resign or stand down is probably a little bit churlish. The work clearly has been done on critical minerals and rare earths by Kevin Rudd personally, and I think that he should be acknowledged for that good work."

During a press conference in Sydney, Ley was questioned about her stance on Rudd's position. She stated, "I welcome all the comments from my talented backbench and I know, like me, that they are focused on all the bread and butter issues that matter to us." When asked if she had made a unilateral decision regarding Rudd's suitability, Ley refrained from reiterating her previous demand.

"Kevin Rudd is the prime minister's choice for ambassador — it's a big job," she said. Ley acknowledged that the government has yet to secure relief from U.S. tariffs imposed on Australia, although she noted that these tariffs are among the lowest imposed on any foreign nation.

Following the meeting with Trump, Rudd reportedly offered an apology off-camera, to which Trump responded that he was forgiven. Ley emphasized the importance of the recent meetings, stating, "What was clear yesterday was that the prime minister has a lot of catching up to do with respect to the relationship with the U.S. and the next steps. I welcomed, yesterday, that important first moves and meetings have happened."