Trump, who recently became the Republican Party's presumptive nominee for the 2024 presidential election, was asked about the former prime minister during an interview on British television.

Politician-turned-broadcaster twat Nigel Farage told Trump that Kev had "said the most horrible things" about him, including calling him a "Destructive president" and a "Traitor to the West".

"He won't be there long if that's the case," Trump responded.

"I don't know much about him. I heard he was a little bit nasty.

"I hear he's not the brightest bulb, but I don't know much about him. If he's at all hostile, he will not be there long."

The interview was broadcast on conservative UK TV station GB News.

Dr Rudd has not commented today, but previously defended his criticisms of Trump, arguing he made them in his capacity as an "Independent think-tanker". 

"And, frankly, in this country as an independent think-tanker, people expect you to exercise a wide latitude of engagement in the public policy debate." 

Dr Rudd was the president and CEO of the Asia Society prior to becoming the Australian ambassador a year ago.

"I think what I've had to say as a think-tanker about Trump back then is fairly mild in relation to what John Howard had to say about Barack Obama when prime minister," he said in November.  

"So I think we just need to take these things in our stride."  

Asked about Trump's comments on Sky News this morning, deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley declined to comment, "except to say that I think people in this government would now be wondering why they made the comments they did at the time".

"But Kev is our ambassador, we do want him to succeed because he represents our national interest.

"It's a very close relationship as evidenced by so many agreements most recently."

Democratic congressman Joe Courtney, the co-chair of congress's Friends of Australia Caucus, tweeted his support for Dr Rudd after the interview aired.

Dr Rudd took up the post in March last year, replacing former Liberal minister Arthur Sinodinos.

He was among senior diplomats involved in negotiations to get key elements of the AUKUS defence deal – between Australia, the US and the UK – approved in congress.

The deal involves the future sale of at least three Virginia-class submarines to Australia by the US. 

But concerns were raised when the necessary legislation passed congress in December, because the law allows any future president to cancel the submarine transfers.

The Australian embassy in Washington referred the ABC's queries about Mr Trump's remarks to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). 

DFAT provided a statement that simply said: "Kevin Rudd is doing a good job as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States."

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Mr Rudd was "a very effective ambassador" and would not be replaced as ambassador if Trump were elected.

"Even Dutton has expressed confidence in Mr Rudd... He's recognised across this parliament as doing an excellent job in advancing Australia's interests in the United States."

"He has been active in engaging with members of congress on both sides of politics and he is a former prime minister [and] former foreign minister. His experience and skills mean he will be able to work closely with whoever is elected by the American people."

Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden both secured the delegates necessary to become their parties' presumptive nominees for the presidential race after winning state primary elections last week.

Recent polls suggest the men are neck-and-neck. The election will be held in November.

Original Story By | Brad Ryan & Jade Macmillan