The Trump administration is pulling almost 30 senior US diplomats from posts across the world, marking one of the biggest State Department shake-ups since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Career ambassadors serving under the Biden administration have been told to pack up by mid-January, after Washington signaled it wants new leadership abroad that reflects Trump’s “America First” foreign policy approach.
Two State Department officials say chiefs of mission in 29 countries were notified last week that their terms are ending. These diplomats are not being fired, but they will be reassigned to Washington if they choose to continue in the foreign service.
Ambassadors traditionally serve three to four years regardless of political change at home. This time, the sweeping recall has caught many by surprise — especially because these were not political appointees, but veteran diplomats who served presidents of both parties.
Where the shake-up hits hardest
Africa sees the biggest turnover, with ambassadors being pulled from 13 countries including Cameroon, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia.
Asia and the Pacific follow, with departures in Fiji, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and the Marshall Islands.
Recalls are also coming from:
- Europe: Armenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovakia
- Middle East: Algeria, Egypt
- South Asia: Nepal, Sri Lanka
- Western Hemisphere: Guatemala, Suriname
Politico first reported the shift, describing growing concern among lawmakers and diplomats who warn the sudden change could unsettle US relationships abroad.
Union pushback
The American Foreign Service Association says dozens of ambassadors received eviction dates within days, without explanation. They warn the move sends “a dangerous message” to global allies and undermines confidence in US diplomacy.
Their statement argues that the shake-up suggests foreign policy direction now hinges on political alignment, not career expertise or national interest.
Trump team defends the move
State Department officials close to the administration say the recalls are standard procedure, and emphasize that ambassadors represent the president — meaning Trump has the right to choose who speaks for him overseas.
They add that the reshuffling aligns the diplomatic corps with Trump’s foreign-policy goals, which prioritize tighter borders, stronger security partnerships, and US-first trade positioning.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been pushing major internal restructuring. His allies say the department is becoming more efficient and responsive. Critics say morale has cratered — pointing to surveys showing nearly all foreign service officers believe conditions have worsened.
The bottom line
The US ambassadorial landscape is about to change fast. Nearly 30 new faces will be nominated, longtime diplomats are heading home, and embassies worldwide are bracing for disruption.
For countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Philippines, and Nigeria — all navigating sensitive regional and political challenges — the coming months may reshape how Washington shows up, speaks up, and negotiates abroad.
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