In a significant diplomatic overhaul, the administration of former US President Donald Trump has initiated a major recall of American ambassadors and senior diplomats. The move, aimed at ensuring US embassies worldwide fully align with the "America First" foreign policy, has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community.
Unprecedented Diplomatic Recall
Nearly 30 senior diplomats, including many ambassadors posted to smaller nations, have been ordered to return to Washington. Traditionally, these posts are held by career officers from the US Foreign Service. The State Department has not released an official list naming the affected individuals. A senior administration official, speaking to Reuters, framed the action as a standard procedure, stating that an ambassador serves as the personal representative of the President. The official emphasized it is the President's prerogative to have envoys in place who actively advance the America First agenda.
Process Criticized as 'Highly Irregular'
The manner of the recall has drawn sharp criticism from diplomatic associations and former officials. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which represents career diplomats, revealed that some of its members received abrupt phone calls notifying them of their recall without any detailed explanation. The association labeled the process as "highly irregular."
Nikki Gamer, a spokesperson for AFSA, expressed deep concern, stating, "Abrupt, unexplained recalls reflect the same pattern of institutional sabotage and politicization our survey data shows is already harming morale, effectiveness, and U.S. credibility abroad." This sentiment underscores the internal friction within the diplomatic corps regarding the administration's approach.
A Historic Break from Tradition
Former diplomats with decades of service have described the scale and nature of this recall as without precedent. Eric Rubin, a former ambassador, highlighted the historic break, noting, "This has never happened in the 101-year history of the US Foreign Service." The move is seen as part of a broader effort to place political appointees who are firmly committed to the administration's vision into key diplomatic roles, potentially sidelining career professionals.
While the administration maintains it is exercising its legitimate authority, the recall of such a large cohort of experienced diplomats at once raises questions about the continuity of US foreign policy and its relationships, particularly with smaller partner nations. The envoys have reportedly been encouraged to seek other roles within the government upon their return to Washington, signaling a potential long-term reshaping of the diplomatic cadre.
