Meet Dave Brat, the US ambassador who ‘can speak Trump’ in Canberra
Once an insurgent rabble-rouser in Congress, Brat is now a Trump world insider sent to Australia as tariffs and Pacific tensions test the relationship.
Dave Brat, a former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and avowed free trade advocate, has been confirmed as Australia's new U.S. ambassador. James Braid, President Donald Trump's director of legislative affairs, declared that Brat can "speak Trump" and understands the president, which he believes will aid in building relations between the two countries.
Brat, who served as a Republican member of the House Freedom Caucus from 2014 to 2019, is known for his ability to disagree without being disagreeable, a skill that Braid expects will be useful in high-stakes policy negotiations. Despite some disagreements with Brat's views, both Democratic U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner supported his nomination, praising his focus on commerce, trade, and economic opportunity.
Brat has expressed optimism about his role in strengthening the U.S.-Australia alliance, and he has pledged to invest in diplomatic infrastructure to support Australia's expanding Alliance activities.
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