Washington (Web Desk/Agencies) The Trump administration has begun recalling close to 30 U.S. ambassadors and senior career diplomats, a move officials say is intended to align American embassies more closely with the “America First” agenda. Critics, however, caution that this action could erode the country’s standing internationally.
The State Department has not released the identities of those affected. One senior official, speaking anonymously on Monday, described the move as a standard procedure when a new administration takes office. Observers have challenged this view, noting that a recall of this scale is highly unusual.
“Ambassadors represent the president personally, and the president has the authority to appoint individuals who support the administration’s priorities,” the official explained.
Those being recalled are mostly stationed in smaller nations where senior positions have typically been filled by career Foreign Service officers rather than political appointees. A U.S. official said the diplomats affected have been encouraged to explore other opportunities within the State Department.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which represents career diplomats, said it is trying to confirm which members have been recalled after some reported receiving phone notifications without explanation. AFSA spokesperson Nikki Gamer described the process as “highly irregular.”
“Sudden and unexplained recalls contribute to politicization and disruption within the institution, damaging morale, efficiency, and U.S. credibility abroad,” Gamer said in an email. The State Department declined to comment on her remarks.
Politico reported Friday that around two dozen ambassadors had been instructed to leave their posts, citing a State Department source.
President Trump has aimed to place loyalists in senior diplomatic roles since the start of his second term, following obstacles in advancing his foreign policy priorities during his first term.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the recalls, noting that nearly 80 ambassadorial posts remain vacant.
“By removing experienced career ambassadors who serve regardless of the administration, President Trump is ceding U.S. leadership to China and Russia,” Shaheen said on X. “This decision weakens the country’s security, influence, and prosperity.”