In a move that has never been seen before in the history of the American Foreign Service, the United States has decided to recall 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy positions. John Dinkelman, the president of the American Foreign Service Association and a former foreign service member, described this action as unprecedented.
The U.S. State Department officials announced last week that the recall was part of a strategy to reshape the country’s diplomatic stance overseas, aligning personnel with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. This recall affects chiefs of mission in 29 countries who were appointed during the Biden administration.
Critics, including Dinkelman and other former diplomats, have raised concerns about the potential politicization of the diplomatic corps and the appointment of individuals lacking the necessary skills to handle complex diplomatic issues. They view this move as a deliberate effort to sabotage the institution and diminish the U.S.’s global influence.
The hardest-hit region by the recall is Africa, with numerous ambassadors and chiefs of mission being recalled from various countries. Changes in ambassadorial roles are also expected in Asia and Oceania, as well as in the Middle East and Europe. The recall aligns with Trump’s efforts to install loyalists in key positions during his second term.
Career diplomats are traditionally considered bipartisan and serve irrespective of changes in government. Dinkelman emphasizes that the abrupt removal of experienced diplomats without explanation will destabilize the institution, erode U.S. credibility, and strain relationships with allies. He argues that this move prioritizes political loyalty over expertise and service.
The recall has sparked concerns about the qualifications of the replacements for the recalled ambassadors, with questions raised about the criteria for selection. Critics suggest that this recall is either a warning to the foreign service to align with the administration’s agenda or a political tactic aimed at obstructing the diplomatic process.
Former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, condemned the recall, stating that it eliminates a wealth of expertise in foreign affairs. McFaul believes that dismissing experienced diplomats will hinder the execution of Trump’s foreign policies. The recall has also drawn criticism from other officials and senators, who warn that it could weaken U.S. interests and global standing.