Trump Removes 30 US Ambassadors

The administration of US President Donald Trump has begun removing nearly 30 American diplomats from their posts as ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions abroad, in a move aimed at reshaping the United States’ diplomatic presence and aligning it more closely with Trump’s America First agenda, according to the Associated Press.

US State Department officials said that heads of diplomatic missions in at least 29 countries were informed over the past week that their terms will end in January. All of the affected diplomats were appointed during the administration of former president Joe Biden.

While these officials initially remained in their positions during the early months of Trump’s second term, when the first round of removals focused mainly on political appointees, the situation shifted this week.

Ambassadors reportedly began receiving formal notices from Washington informing them of their imminent departure.

According to the Associated Press, US ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president, even though their assignments typically last between three and four years. 

The officials added that those being recalled will not lose their positions within the US diplomatic corps and may return to Washington to take on other roles if they choose.

The US State Department declined to comment on the number of ambassadors affected or their identities. However, it defended the decision, describing it as a standard procedure under any administration.

In a statement, the department said that an ambassador is the personal representative of the president, and that the president has the right to ensure that individuals representing the US abroad are committed to advancing America First priorities.