Caroline Kennedy in running to be named US ambassador to Australia: report

Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of former US president John F Kennedy, could be named as the next US ambassador to Australia, a report in American media says.

US-based publication Axios, citing “people familiar with the matter” reported: “Caroline Kennedy is in line to be US ambassador to Australia.”

While no official announcements have been made, the Associated Press on Friday had reported that Kennedy was expected to serve in a high-profile ambassadorial role in the Asia-Pacific region.

President Joe Biden is giving serious consideration to nominating Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy who served as ambassador to Australia.Credit: AP

Kennedy, if selected, would assume the role at a sensitive time for US diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, as China’s rise creates a broad array of diplomatic, trade and military challenges for US and Australia alike.

She previously served as ambassador to Japan during the Obama administration. The Biden White House declined to comment.

US ambassador Arthur Culvahouse jnr departed from the Canberra role in January.

John F. Kennedy takes a stroll with his wife Jacqueline Kennedy and their daughter Caroline at Hyannis Port, Massachusetts in 1960. Credit: AP

The US mission to Australia is currently headed by Chargé d’Affaires Michael Goldman.

Kennedy, the scion of one of America’s most high-profile political families, threw her support behind Biden relatively early in the crowded 2020 Democratic primary process.

In a Boston Globe editorial to announce her endorsement, she praised Biden for his long career as a public servant and fondly recalled Biden visiting Tokyo as vice-president while she was ambassador.

“[Biden] stepped off Air Force Two wearing his aviator glasses and a big smile,” she wrote in the Globe ahead of the New Hampshire primary last year.

“He radiated American optimism and generosity of spirit. He made clear that America would always stand by our allies, and that we were committed to keeping the region peaceful and prosperous. He delivered tough messages as well, but he did it in private, with skill and respect.”

Kennedy, along with her uncle the late senator Ted Kennedy, also offered a critical early endorsement to Obama in his 2008 run for the White House.

Biden is expected to announce his first major tranche of political ambassadorial nominations soon, according to White House officials.

Australian officials have not been informed of any imminent appointment of Kennedy or any other individual. Australia is expecting Canberra to be among the first ambassadorial appointments of the Biden administration, but believe the appointment will be months away.

AP, staff writers

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