David Brat Is Now US Ambassador to Australia

Saturday, 8 August 2026, 10:29 am

David Brat will focus on important minerals and business talks.

In short:

A US committee confirmed David Brat as ambassador to Australia.

This happened after President Trump changed US tradition and recalled many career diplomats.

What's next?

Mr Brat's priorities include minerals, defense, and Indo-Pacific partnership.

After 20 months, the Trump administration confirmed David Brat as US ambassador to Australia.

He was nominated in April and replaces Caroline Kennedy.

Mr Brat said his priorities include minerals, defense, and Indo-Pacific partnership.

The US Senate approved 74 nominations, including Mr Brat's, on Friday.

The list includes 11 ambassadors and fills some of the over 100 vacant positions.

Mr Brat became well-known in 2014 when he beat Eric Cantor in a primary.

He is a conservative economist and has been on Steve Bannon's podcast.

In 2022, he asked Ukraine's president to accept Russia's demands.

Mr Brat has a degree from Princeton and has written about Christianity and capitalism.

ABC/Reuters

See more ABC news

Promotion