Associated Press reported that the Trump administration has recalled nearly 30 senior diplomats abroad, all of whom were appointed during the Biden era and remained in their positions during the purge at the beginning of Trump's term.
The Trump administration is now firing career diplomats appointed by Biden. These overseas ambassadors are required to leave by January 15 or 16, 2026. Approximately 24 to 29 ambassadors have been recalled, covering nearly 30 countries worldwide, all of whom are career diplomats appointed during the Biden administration.
Regional distribution: Africa was most affected (involving 13-15 countries such as Egypt and Algeria), followed by Asia (eight countries including the Philippines and Vietnam), and Europe (four countries including Armenia and Slovakia) and the Middle East also saw impacts.
This move is considered rare, as career diplomats typically are not affected by presidential transitions, and are believed to faithfully implement foreign policies of all administrations.
The State Department said the recall is a "standard procedure," emphasizing that ambassadors are personal representatives of the president and need to advance the "America First" agenda.
Diplomatic unions and Democratic lawmakers criticized this move for harming America's diplomatic standing, pointing out that there are currently about 80 ambassadorial positions vacant.
Loyalty is the duty of an diplomat, but loyalty must be to the country, not necessarily to the president.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1852350283286528/
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