David Brat, Ayn Rand expert who once argued Christianity and capitalism should merge, named as US ambassador to Australia

Republican, who has Masters of Divinity, represented Virginia in Congress for two terms Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Donald Trump has named the former Virginia congressman David Brat to be the next US ambassador to Australia, ending a 15-month vacancy in Canberra. Brat served two terms in Congress until 2018 when he was defeated by a Democrat in a close race. The 61-year-old is a vice-president of business relations at Virginia’s Liberty University. The White House nominated Brat for Senate confirmation for the role on Tuesday morning, Australian time. The post has been vacant since Joe Biden’s ambassador, Caroline Kennedy, left Canberra in November 2024. His nomination comes amid a tense moment in the US-Australian alliance, as Trump repeatedly criticises the Albanese government for failing to assist with the US and Israeli-led war in Iran, and in efforts to reopen the strait of Hormuz. In a 2022 interview with the Trump strategist Steve Bannon, Brat called on Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia, part of a deal proposed by Vladimir Putin to end Russia’s invasion. Anthony Albanese was asked a