David Brat, a former Republican congressman and ally of Donald Trump, has been confirmed as the United States' top diplomat to Australia.
The 62-year-old was among several ambassador nominations rushed through the US Senate on Friday local time, with a 51-47 vote along party lines.
Embassy welcomes new ambassador
The US Embassy in Australia congratulated Brat within hours of the vote passing. "We are so excited to welcome you and your family to Australia," the embassy said in a social media post. "Can't wait to work with you as our long-standing and enduring US-Australia Alliance flourishes under your leadership."
Confirmation hearing remarks
Brat fronted a confirmation hearing in May, where he described himself as a "tennis fanatic" who is "looking forward to sports diplomacy across the board." "I love the Australian people I have met in life and appreciate their decency, wit, and sense of humour above all," he told the hearing. "Our relationship with Australia under this (Trump) Administration is deepening."
He later said he would prioritise critical minerals and commercial diplomacy, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific relations while serving as ambassador.
Notable moments
During the hearing, Brat dodged a question about Australia having a "real China problem" and later mispronounced Adelaide as "Adeline."
Background
Brat served in the Virginia House of Representatives from 2014 to 2019 before becoming dean of Liberty University's School of Business. He was regarded as one of Congress's most conservative lawmakers and a member of the Freedom Caucus, the House's most conservative bloc. He supported bills restricting immigration and offshore oil drilling, and is a fervent supporter of free-market capitalism who has defended Trump's tariffs in both 2018 and 2025.
