President Donald Trump has nominated former Virginia congressman David Brat to serve as the next US ambassador to Australia. The position has remained vacant since 2024, more than a year after Trump’s return to the White House.

Brat’s Political Background

David Brat represented Virginia’s seventh congressional district in the US House of Representatives as a Republican. He won election in 2014, served two terms, and lost his seat in 2018. Currently, Brat holds the position of senior vice president for business relations at Liberty University in Virginia, following his tenure as dean of the business school.

Trump previously endorsed Brat during his 2018 congressional campaign, describing him as “a powerful vote for MAGA.”

Appointment Process and Interim Leadership

The nomination awaits ratification by the US Senate. If confirmed, Brat will replace Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of former President John F. Kennedy, who was appointed under the Biden administration.

Since Kennedy’s departure, career diplomat Erika Olson has acted as chargé d’affaires.

Historical Context

During Trump’s first term, the ambassadorship to Australia stayed unfilled for nearly two years before he appointed Arthur B. Culvahouse Jr., a veteran Republican operative and adviser to Ronald Reagan, in 2019.