Many US Ambassadors Called Back Home
The US government, led by President Donald Trump, has quietly told nearly 30 experienced diplomats to leave their jobs. These diplomats serve as ambassadors and heads of missions in different countries around the world. This news has caused concern within the US foreign service and brought new claims of a political "clean-up" inside the State Department.
Various US news sources have reported that this action is very unusual. The government has not announced it publicly.
Who Was Affected?
- These diplomats are all career members of the Foreign Service.
- They were chosen during the Biden administration and approved by the Senate.
- Normally, these career ambassadors stay in their positions even when a new president takes office. This helps keep US foreign relations stable and neutral.
- Many were told suddenly, often by phone, to leave their posts by mid-January. They were not given a reason for this decision.
Why Is This Unusual?
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which represents US diplomats, stated that this is the first time such a large group of career ambassadors has been called back at once.
Former diplomats described the process as confusing and unclear. One former senior official said ambassadors were being recalled "randomly," without clear reasons why some were chosen and others were not.
AFSA warned that this lack of openness goes against long-held traditions and sends a worrying message to both US allies and government workers.
Reasons and Criticisms
Official Reasons for the Changes
The State Department has said the move is a normal process. A senior official explained that an ambassador is the personal representative of the president. Therefore, President Trump has the right to make sure these diplomats support his "America First" agenda.
The official also confirmed that the diplomats will not be fired but will be given new assignments. However, many might have to retire if they do not find a new job within a short time.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has linked these changes to new rules for promotions and a larger reorganization of the department. He mentioned a push to reduce policies related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Rubio said many diplomats have been nominated for promotion under these revised rules.
Critics' Views and Morale Issues
However, critics argue that these changes are designed to promote officials who are politically aligned with the White House. Influential figures like Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller have openly tried to change the State Department to support stricter immigration policies and a foreign policy based on strong political beliefs.
This recall has made an existing problem of low morale even worse within the foreign service. A recent survey by AFSA showed that 98% of diplomats reported declining morale since Trump's second term began in January.
Common reasons for low morale included:
- Smaller budgets
- Heavier workloads
- Reduced US foreign aid
Only 1% of those surveyed said conditions had improved.
Earlier this year, the department announced about 1,300 layoffs, including over 240 Foreign Service officers. Many senior diplomats, including women and people of color, also lost their previous leadership roles overseas.
Countries Affected
Africa has been the region most affected, with about 12 ambassadors recalled from countries such as:
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Niger
- Somalia
Other areas affected include Europe, the Middle East, and Eurasia, with recalls from nations like:
- Egypt
- Algeria
- Slovakia
- Armenia
These removals will leave many US embassies without a Senate-confirmed ambassador. This happens at a time when China continues to increase its diplomatic presence around the world.
