Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly defended his ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, after former US President Donald Trump made dismissive comments about him during a White House meeting. Trump told Rudd, who previously criticized Trump publicly, 'I don’t like you either,' prompting laughter in the room. Rudd, a former Australian Prime Minister, was appointed ambassador in 2023 and had previously called Trump the 'most destructive president in history' and a 'traitor to the West.' Despite Trump’s remarks, Albanese praised Rudd’s dedication and efforts, especially regarding the Aukus submarine deal and recent US-Australia diplomatic successes. Opposition leader Sussan Ley initially suggested Rudd should be sacked due to Trump’s comments, but Albanese dismissed the remarks as 'banter.' The incident highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions and questions about US-Australia relations, especially concerning the future of the Aukus pact amid US reviews under an 'America First' approach. Meanwhile, other international news includes political developments in Japan, Gaza, and the UK, as well as US domestic issues like costs of presidential visits and policies affecting visas and energy purchases.