David Brat Nominated as US Ambassador to Australia
President Donald Trump has nominated former Republican congressman David Brat to serve as the next US ambassador to Australia. The White House announced the nomination on April 27, 2026, and it now requires confirmation by the US Senate.
The position has been vacant since November 2024, when former ambassador Caroline Kennedy departed Canberra.
Nominee Background
David Brat, 61, is currently the senior vice president of business relations at Liberty University in Virginia. He holds a PhD in economics from American University and a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Brat served two terms in the US House of Representatives, from 2014 to 2018. He rose to national prominence in 2014 by defeating then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a Republican primary election. He lost his seat in 2018 to Democrat Abigail Spanberger. Prior to his political career, Brat worked as an economics professor.
Past Statements
Brat has made a series of public statements on foreign and domestic policy issues:
In 2022, he stated that NATO expansion provoked Russia's invasion of Ukraine and argued that Ukraine should accept a peace deal involving neutrality and territorial concessions.
He has expressed the view that Russia and China face demographic and economic challenges that will reduce their competition with the United States.
In 2023, Brat posted on social media that the Biden administration's investigation into electoral interference was a conspiracy and accused the CIA and FBI of spying on Republican groups.
He has advocated for free-market economics and later expressed support for Trump's tariffs, stating they aim to rebalance trade practices and bring manufacturing back to the United States.
Reactions
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated he would work with whoever is appointed. Foreign Minister Penny Wong welcomed the nomination, noting the US is Australia's closest ally.
Australian government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, described Brat's past comments as consistent with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) political movement and expressed confidence in building a working relationship.
Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O'Brien welcomed the appointment, stating on social media: "The alliance remains central to Australia's future, but there is no shortage of work to do on the relationship. I look forward to working with Mr Brat."
Context
Senate confirmation for diplomatic posts can take weeks or months. Prime Minister Albanese visited the White House in October 2025, at which time President Trump stated he wanted to appoint an ambassador Albanese would "like." The nomination comes at a time when President Trump has criticized the Australian government on issues related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.