The Associated Press (AP) today quoted two unnamed US Department of State officials, who stated that diplomatic mission chiefs in at least 29 countries have been notified that their terms will conclude in 1/2026.

These ambassadors, appointed during former President Joe Biden's tenure, had cleared an initial personnel review in the early months of President Donald Trump's second term. The recalled diplomats will not be jobless; they may return to Washington for other assignments if they choose.

The Harry S Truman building, headquarters of the US Department of State, in Washington D.C. *Photo: AFP*

Africa is the most impacted region, with ambassadors in 13 nations recalled, including: Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, and Uganda. Asia and the Pacific follow, with ambassadors in 6 countries: Vietnam, Fiji, Laos, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.

Four European nations, along with several countries in the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere, are also affected by these changes.

John Dinkelman, President of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), described this as an unusual move. Professional diplomats typically serve full terms, irrespective of the US President. He warned that this action could diminish America's diplomatic standing and erode confidence in the professional diplomatic corps' ability to implement national policies effectively.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 11/12. *Photo: AP*

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, noted that this mass recall of experienced ambassadors comes at a time when many ambassadorial positions remain unfilled.

"Approximately 80 ambassadorial positions are currently unfilled. President Trump is ceding America's leadership role to China and Russia by removing experienced ambassadors, despite their loyal service regardless of who leads the country", Senator Shaheen stated.

The US Department of State declined to comment on the specific number or identities of the recalled ambassadors. However, it defended the personnel changes, calling it a "standard process in every administration".

"An ambassador serves as the President's personal representative in each country. The President has the authority to ensure he has individuals who can advance the 'America First' policy", the department explained.

Thanh Danh (Source: AP, Politico)