The Trump administration has ordered the recall of nearly 30 ambassadors and senior career diplomats, a move framed as part of its “America First” agenda.
But critics warned that this could undermine U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Officials familiar with the matter said the recalled diplomats were mostly stationed in smaller countries, where career Foreign Service officers typically represent the United States.
These officers, who are politically neutral, were instructed to return to Washington and seek new roles within the State Department.
A senior State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, defended the action as “a standard process in any administration,” emphasising the president’s prerogative to appoint representatives aligned with his foreign policy priorities.
“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,” the official said.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from career diplomats and lawmakers.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) noted that some diplomats received abrupt phone notifications with little explanation—a process it described as “highly irregular.”
Spokesperson Nikki Gamer warned that the unexplained recalls reflect a pattern of politicisation that could damage morale, operational effectiveness, and U.S. influence abroad.
Politico reported that roughly two dozen ambassadors had been instructed to leave their posts.
Many observers see the recalls as part of President Trump’s effort to place loyalists in key positions during his second term, after facing resistance from the U.S. national security establishment in his first term.
Jeanne Shaheen, ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the administration, highlighting that 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 is in power,” Shaheen said.
“This makes America less safe, less strong, and less prosperous.”
The State Department declined to respond directly to Shaheen’s comments.
As the recall unfolds, analysts are watching closely to see how the move affects U.S. diplomacy, particularly in regions where experienced career diplomats have long played a stabilising role.
