The Trump administration is recalling nearly 30 ambassadors and career diplomats as it moves to have diplomatic personnel fully supportive of President Donald Trump’s “America First” priorities.
The State Department declined to reveal a list of diplomats being recalled.
A senior department official argues the move was “a standard process in any administration”, but critics seem to disagree.
While it is normal for new presidents to replace political appointees serving as ambassadors, career diplomats are typically allowed to continue serving because it is understood that, by virtue of being in the Foreign Service, they will carry out the wishes of whoever is in the White House, regardless of political party.
"An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda," said the official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The nearly 30 people recalled were posted to smaller countries where the top U.S. representative has traditionally been from the Foreign Service, which is made up of career officials not affiliated with a political party, according to people close to the matter.
Recalled officials have been encouraged to find other jobs in the State Department, another U.S. official said.
The envoys were also told they had to be gone by 15 January or 16 January and weren’t given a reason why, according to the president of the American Foreign Service Association, John Dinkelman.
Dinkelman said the administration's actions would hurt the standing of U.S. diplomacy.
“It continues to undermine the confidence in the professional Foreign Service’s ability to effectively carry out the policies of the elected leadership of our nation,” he said.
Ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Jaenne Shaheen, criticised the removal of diplomats while about 80 ambassadorial posts remain vacant.
"President Trump is giving away U.S. leadership to China and Russia by removing qualified career Ambassadors who serve faithfully no matter who's in power," Shaheen said.
"This makes America less safe, less strong and less prosperous."
