Senate Confirms David Brat as US Ambassador to Australia, Ending 18-Month Vacancy
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 7
Senate Confirms David Brat as US Ambassador to Australia, Ending 18-Month Vacancy
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 7
Summary
David Brat, a former Virginia congressman nominated by Donald Trump in April, won Senate confirmation as US ambassador to Australia after the post sat empty since Caroline Kennedy left in November 2024.
More than 70 votes were pushed through by Senate Republicans before the summer recess, clearing Brat, 61, to take up the role at a sensitive point in the alliance.
US-Australia ties have been strained since July, when Trump imposed 12.5% tariffs on many Australian exports over alleged failures to block goods made with forced labor.
Brat will arrive as Canberra marks the 75th anniversary of the Anzus treaty and presses ahead with the $370 billion Aukus submarine plan, which has drawn growing criticism inside Australia’s ruling Labor Party.