Melania Trump hit with lawsuit over tell-all book by Michael Wolff

A journalist is taking on the Trumps in court, claiming Melania “maliciously” launched a “calculated campaign to destroy his reputation and livelihood”.

Welcome to our live coverage of US politics on Tuesday, Washington time.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered his verdict on whether Kevin Rudd should continue as US ambassador after Mr Rudd was humiliated by Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House on Monday.

During the awkward confrontation, Mr Trump was reminded of comments Mr Rudd had made about the US president in the past.

“I don’t like you either. I don’t. And I probably never will,” Mr Trump said to Mr Rudd when a reporter pointed out that the ex-PM was in the room and asked the US president whether he minded the comments.

It marred an otherwise glowing meeting for Mr Albanese where the US leader marvelled at the prime minister and spoke positively of Australia.

Mr Trump signed a deal on rare earth minerals with Mr Albanese on Monday, and said Washington’s key ally would get its coveted nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of the AUKUS pact.

But the PM was ambiguous on Tuesday, US time, about the mysterious AUKUS “ambiguities” which US Navy Secretary John Phelan raised at the White House meeting.

Follow on for more updates from Tuesday.