Trump administration orders ‘abrupt’ recall of dozens of career diplomats: Source
4:02The Department of State building in Washington, July 11, 2025.Hu Yousong/Xinhua via Getty Images
The Trump administration is set to recall numerous career diplomats from international assignments within the next month, as per a source knowledgeable about the situation, marking another significant reshuffle at the U.S. State Department.
Over twenty senior diplomats have been informed that they will need to vacate their positions in the upcoming month, according to the source.
The American Foreign Service Association, the labor union representing U.S. foreign service and career diplomats, indicates that those affected by the recall have reported receiving notice via phone call that their removal from their posts was "abrupt," with no justification given.
They have been instructed to leave their positions by January 15 or 16.
The Department of State building in Washington, July 11, 2025.Hu Yousong/Xinhua via Getty Images
"This approach is highly unusual," a representative for AFSA stated to ABC News.
"This is not standard procedure. Career diplomats and ambassadors are generally not recalled in such a manner. The absence of transparency and established process sharply contrasts with long-standing conventions," the representative remarked.
Most of the ambassadors affected are stationed at U.S. diplomatic missions in Africa, but the removals also impact positions in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere.
A high-ranking State Department official characterized the recall of ambassadors as "a routine process in any administration."
"An ambassador serves as a direct representative of the President, and it is the President’s prerogative to ensure that individuals in these countries support the America First agenda," they stated.
The State Department has refrained from commenting on the specific numbers or names of ambassadors impacted.
AFSA confirmed that there is no official, verified roster of recalled ambassadors.
There are various lists circulating which seem to have been crowdsourced from individuals both within and outside the department, according to AFSA.
POLITICO was the first to report on the diplomats’ removal.
This recall represents the latest effort by the Trump administration to reshape the State Department to better align with its "America First" objectives. This action follows the layoff of over 1,300 officials and more than 240 foreign service officers earlier in the year, which the administration described as a significant reorganization aimed at enhancing efficiency and minimizing the size of government.
Typically, it is common for new presidents to replace political appointees in ambassadorial positions; however, career diplomats are usually permitted to continue in their positions.
AFSA criticized the recall, stating it conveys a "chilling signal" to career foreign service officers that their oaths to the Constitution are secondary to political allegiance.
"Displacing senior diplomats without justification undermines U.S. credibility internationally and sends a chilling signal to the professional Foreign Service: experience and a commitment to the Constitution take a backseat to political loyalty. This is not how America should lead," the statement indicated.
AFSA asserts that the recall signifies "a gradual erosion of norms, transparency, and professional autonomy within the Foreign Service."
"Sudden, unexplained recalls reflect the same pattern of institutional sabotage and politicization that our survey data indicates is already damaging morale, effectiveness, and U.S. credibility abroad," the spokesperson stated.
ABC News' Luis Martinez and Josh Margolin contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com