Trump Administration to Promote Loyal Diplomats Following Recall of 30 Ambassadors, Sources Say

The Trump administration has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats from overseas posts as part of a plan to elevate loyal appointees within the State Department, diplomatic sources reveal. This move marks an unusual break from tradition, as career foreign service officers typically remain in place after an administration change due to their nonpartisan roles.

Several current and former diplomats confirmed the recall of these ambassadors, many of whom head embassies in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. According to a senior State Department official, “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 also clarified that recalled diplomats would not be fired but reassigned instead.

The reshuffle primarily targeted ambassadors stationed in Africa, including nations like Niger, Uganda, and Nigeria, with others recalled from Egypt, Algeria, Slovakia, and Montenegro. Senator Jeanne Shaheen criticized the moves, stating, “President Trump is giving away US leadership to China and Russia by removing qualified career Ambassadors who serve faithfully no matter who’s in power.” She warned that such actions weaken America’s safety and global standing.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) voiced strong concerns that this process politicizes the diplomatic corps. The union argued, “Foreign Service staff who dutifully executed the policies of a previous administration should not be penalized by retroactively imposed changes to the promotion precepts.” They further demanded transparency on how fairness is maintained for diplomats overlooked in promotions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced plans to promote hundreds of diplomats after revising promotion criteria and oversight panels. The adjustments appear connected to the Trump administration’s broader efforts to influence diversity and inclusion policies and install allies aligned with its immigration and foreign policy goals.

Diplomats worry that these changes will erode the professionalism and apolitical nature of the foreign service. Some insiders described the recall decision as “random” and lacking clear rationale. This ongoing personnel reshuffle underlines the administration’s focus on loyalty and reshaping diplomatic ranks to serve its agenda more directly.