Trump’s envoy arrives in Australia after lengthy delay, ‘grumbling’ about pet quarantine

September 18, 2026 — 11:24amIncoming United States ambassador David Brat has arrived in the country to begin his role as US President Donald Trump’s top representative in Australia, ending an almost two-year wait for the post to be filled.Brat landed in Sydney on Friday morning and will start work next week in Canberra, where he will present his diplomatic credentials to Governor-General Sam Mostyn.The Detroit-born former Republican congressman was confirmed by the US Senate in August after being nominated by Trump in April.Dave Brat during his time as a Republican congressman representing Virginia.APAs ambassador, Brat will be tasked with advancing the US-Australia alliance, including driving forward the AUKUS defence pact and co-operation on critical minerals.But Australia’s efforts to regulate the US-dominated tech industry, including through a crackdown on social media algorithms and the news bargaining code, could cause tension.The former Virginia congressman, 62, came to prominence in 2014 when he defeated then-Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Eric Cantor, in a preselection contest that was an emblematic battle between the conservative establishment and upstart Tea Party movement.After losing his seat, he became the senior vice president of business relations at Liberty University, a private, evangelical Christian university.He has regularly appeared as a guest and fill-in host on former Trump strategist Steve Bannon’s podcast.The Australian Financial Review reported this week that Brat had been “heard grumbling about how long it will take for his dog to get through Australia’s strict biosecurity border controls” to associates in the US.Canine arrivals in Australia typically require six months for health checks, tests and paperwork and the dogs are then required to spend about a month in a Melbourne quarantine facility.At his confirmation hearing in May, Brat identified three priorities for the relationship: critical minerals and commercial engagement, defence co-operation and broadening the two countries’ partnership in the Indo-Pacific.“Australia has been with us every step of the way with loyal friendship and with courage,” he told the hearing. “I love the Australian people I have met in life – I appreciate their decency, their wit, their sense of humour above all.”Brat’s predecessor Caroline Kennedy, part of Democratic Party royalty, departed Australia at the end of 2024 following Trump’s election victory.The passionate tennis fan is expected to play tennis with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who enjoys hosting guests for a hit at the Lodge in Canberra.Foreign Minister Penny Wong said following Brat’s appointment that he would find Australia to be a “warm host and good friend”.“We share his priorities of critical minerals, defence co-operation and partnership in the Indo-Pacific. Together we will strengthen the alliance in the interests of both our countries,” Wong said.Trump announced diplomatic appointments for scores of other countries before Australia, prompting claims the country was a low diplomatic priority for his administration.China’s new ambassador Liu Jinsong arrived in the country at the end of last month and will hold a ceremony in Canberra next week.Albanese and Trump are not expected to have a formal meeting during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, but could have a more informal pull-aside encounter.Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.From our partners