Senate confirms former Virginia congressman David Brat as U.S. ambassador to Australia

The U.S. Senate approved David Brat to serve as the next ambassador to Australia, filling a post that has been empty for 18 months.

In a vote that cleared over 70 Senate measures before the summer break, the chamber confirmed David Brat as the United States ambassador to Australia, ending an 18-month vacancy that started when Caroline Kennedy departed in November 2024. The former Virginia congressman, nominated by Donald Trump in April, served two terms in the House before losing to Abigail Spanberger in 2018 and later held a senior role at Liberty University.

Brat, once described as a “Tea Party professor” and an admirer of Ayn Rand, will assume his post amid heightened tensions, including 12.5% U.S. tariffs on Australian goods and a shift in the Aukus submarine plan to three second-hand American vessels. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated willingness to work with any Trump-appointed envoy, recalling earlier comments on U.S. intelligence claims. The confirmation also follows internal debate within Australia’s Labor party over the altered submarine deal, with former cabinet minister Ed Husic expressing disappointment. Former defence secretary Greg Moriarty currently represents Australia in Washington.