Sen. Bob Corker Robert (Bob) Phillips CorkerHas Congress captured Russia policy? Tennessee primary battle turns nasty for Republicans Cheney clashes with Trump MORE (R-Tenn.), who is retiring after 2018, turned down an offer from the Trump administration to be the next ambassador to Australia.

A spokeswoman for Corker, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, confirmed his decision, which was first reported by The Tennessean.

"I had a number of conversations with both President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE and [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo. At the end of the day though … it just felt like it wasn't the right step," Corker told the Tennessee newspaper.

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Corker, who was previously under consideration to be Trump's secretary of State or vice president, said he notified the administration last week that he wouldn't accept the position, which would have started in 2019.

The United States currently doesn't have a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Australia. Trump nominated Admiral Harry Harris for the post earlier this year, before switching him to be the ambassador to South Korea instead.

The last U.S. ambassador, John Berry, resigned from the post in September 2016.

The Australian Financial Review reported earlier Monday that both Corker and Sen. Orrin Hatch Orrin Grant HatchBottom line Bottom line Senate GOP divided over whether they'd fill Supreme Court vacancy MORE (R-Utah), who is also retiring after 2018, were top contenders for the job.

Matt Whitlock, Hatch's deputy chief of staff, said Hatch has not had any talks with the administration about the post.

“Senator Hatch has not had any conversations about an ambassadorship, but looks forward to a well-deserved retirement filled with early bird specials at all you can eat buffets and long walks through Costco," he said.