The administration of President Donald Trump is recalling around 30 ambassadors and other senior career diplomats in a move aimed at ensuring that the “America First” policy is reflected across US embassies worldwide. Critics, however, warn that the decision could undermine America’s credibility abroad.
The US State Department has declined to provide a list of the diplomats being recalled.
Speaking on Monday, a senior State Department official described the move as “a routine process for any administration,” a claim disputed by critics. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said, “An ambassador is the personal representative of the president. The president has the right to ensure that the individuals serving in these roles are capable of advancing an America First agenda.”
Officials familiar with the matter said that those instructed to return to Washington include about 30 senior diplomats. Many of them had been posted to smaller countries where the top US representative is traditionally a State Department official—career diplomats with no political party affiliation.
Another US official said the recalled diplomats could be assigned new roles within the State Department.
Some of the diplomats were reportedly informed of their recall over the phone without any explanation. Following the reports, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which represents State Department officials, said it was working to confirm which of its members had been affected.
AFSA spokesperson Nikki Gamer described the recall process as “highly unusual.” In an email statement, she said, “This sudden recall of diplomats without explanation reflects the same pattern of institutional sabotage and politicisation that, according to our survey data, is already damaging morale, effectiveness, and America’s credibility overseas.”
The State Department declined to comment on Gamer’s remarks.
Earlier, Politico reported on Friday, citing a State Department official, that two dozen ambassadors had been asked to step down. After encountering resistance from national security institutions during his first term, President Trump has sought to install loyalists in senior positions since returning to office for a second term in order to implement his foreign policy priorities.
Despite nearly 80 ambassadorial posts currently remaining vacant, the decision to recall a large number of diplomats at once has drawn sharp criticism from Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In a post on social media platform X, Shaheen said, “By removing capable, professional ambassadors who serve faithfully regardless of who is in power, President Trump is handing US leadership to China and Russia. This makes America less safe, less prosperous, and weaker.”