By Andrew Brown in Canberra

US President Donald Trump has announced his pick for the next American ambassador to Australia more than a year after the Republican leader’s return to the White House.

Former Virginia congressman David Brat was nominated for the ambassador role, which has been vacant since 2024.

Mr Brat represented Virginia’s seventh congressional district in the US House of Representatives for the Republicans.

He was first elected in 2014 and served two terms before losing his seat in 2018.

The ambassador position is yet to be finalised as the appointment needs to be ratified by the US Senate.

If successful in his selection, Mr Brat will succeed Caroline Kennedy in the role of ambassador to Australia.

Ms Kennedy, the only surviving child of former Democratic president John F. Kennedy, was appointed under the Biden administration.