The Trump administration has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors and senior career diplomats as part of a renewed push to align overseas missions with its “America First” foreign policy agenda. Critics warn the move could weaken US credibility and influence abroad.
Read More: Trump won’t rule out war with Venezuela
A senior State Department official said the recalls were a routine practice in any administration, stressing that ambassadors serve as personal representatives of the president. The official added that the president has the right to ensure envoys advance his policy priorities.
Trump recalling 48 ambassadors from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and South America https://t.co/vKs7NfKlyC pic.twitter.com/LfRTM9dx5a
— New York Post (@nypost) December 22, 2025
However, people familiar with the matter said almost 30 senior diplomats were ordered back to Washington, many of whom were career foreign service officers posted to smaller countries. Traditionally, such posts are filled by non-political professionals rather than partisan appointees.
The recalled diplomats were encouraged to seek alternative roles within the State Department, according to another US official. The department declined to release a list of those affected or provide further details.
The American Foreign Service Association said it was seeking clarification after members reported receiving recall notices by phone without explanation. The association described the process as highly irregular and damaging to morale.
Its spokesperson said abrupt and unexplained recalls reflected a pattern of politicisation that could undermine the effectiveness of US diplomacy and erode trust among allies. The State Department did not respond directly to those concerns.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s broader effort to install loyalists across the national security and foreign policy apparatus during his second term. Trump has previously complained that career officials resisted his agenda during his first presidency.
Democratic lawmakers strongly criticised the decision, particularly as dozens of ambassadorial posts remain vacant. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said removing experienced diplomats risks ceding global leadership to rivals such as China and Russia.
Read More: Trump claims historic Gaza peace, hails US economic boom
She warned that sidelining career ambassadors would make the United States less secure, less influential and less prosperous at a time of heightened global competition.