President Donald Trump nominated former Republican Congressman David Brat of Virginia on Monday to be the next U.S. ambassador to Australia. The White House sent the nomination to the Senate as part of a batch of appointments that also included judicial and administrative roles.

Brat, 61, is an economist and academic with deep ties to conservative circles. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Hope College, a master's of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD in economics from American University. He spent years as a professor of economics at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia before entering politics. Currently, he serves as senior vice president of business relations at Liberty University, an evangelical Christian institution in Virginia.

Brat rose to national prominence in 2014 with one of the most stunning primary upsets in modern congressional history, defeating then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in Virginia's 7th District Republican primary. Campaigning as a Tea Party conservative, Brat criticized Cantor for insufficient opposition to immigration reforms. He served two terms in the House from 2015 to 2019, joining the Freedom Caucus, before losing to Democrat Abigail Spanberger in the general election. Spanberger later became Virginia's governor.

Known for blending economics, faith, and free-market principles, Brat has praised Ayn Rand's philosophy and argued that Christianity provides the moral foundation necessary for capitalism to thrive. In a 2011 paper, he wrote that if people followed ethical principles, government intervention would be unnecessary. More recently, he defended Trump's tariff policies in a 2025 interview, calling them essential to counter unfair trade practices and revive U.S. manufacturing.

The ambassador post in Canberra has remained vacant for about 15 months since Democrat Caroline Kennedy, appointed by President Joe Biden, departed in late 2024 following Trump's inauguration for his second term. A chargé d'affaires has handled U.S. interests in the interim, but Erika Olson is set to leave soon. Presidents often take time to fill ambassadorial roles in Australia, as seen in Trump's first term when Arthur B. Culvahouse was nominated two years in.

Australian leaders expressed willingness to engage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government respects U.S. choices for ambassadors and expects reciprocity. Shadow Foreign Minister Ted O’Brien welcomed the nomination, stating the alliance remains central to Australia's future. Industry Minister Angus Taylor also voiced support on social media.

Brat's confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate could take weeks or months. Trump praised Brat's 2014 victory on social media at the time, calling it a big win for the Tea Party. No immediate comment came from Brat on the nomination.