Ten Democratic senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today sent a letter to President Donald Trump, describing his recent decision to recall nearly 30 ambassadors worldwide as an "unprecedented move."

The senators stated they currently have no plans to replace these diplomats, adding that Trump's action leaves over 100 US ambassadorial positions vacant.

"Over 100 US embassies lack leadership, and during this period, China, Russia, and other nations will regularly contact these countries where we have vacancies, maximizing their influence, thereby limiting and even harming US interests," the Democratic senators wrote.

"These ambassadors have faithfully implemented policies across both administrations," the senators continued. "We urge you to immediately reverse this decision before further damaging US credibility globally."

The White House has not yet commented on the information.

US President Donald Trump at a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida on 22/12. Photo: AFP

US media previously reported that diplomatic mission chiefs in at least 29 countries received notice that their terms would end in 1/2026. These individuals were appointed under President Joe Biden but had passed preliminary personnel reviews earlier in President Trump's second term.

The US Department of State did not comment on the specific number or identities of the recalled ambassadors but defended the personnel changes, stating it is a "standard process in every administration."

President Trump has repeatedly vowed to "drain the deep state" by dismissing officials he deems disloyal and appointing loyalists to senior positions. In February, the White House chief ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reform the Foreign Service, a body of professional diplomats within the US Department of State, to ensure the administration's policies are implemented "diligently."

By Nhu Tam (Reuters, AFP)