The transition team for President Trump has asked numerous senior career diplomats to resign from their positions as soon as Mr. Trump takes office. This practice is common during presidential transitions, but it is happening faster and on a larger scale this time around. The Trump transition team at the State Department, led by aides to Marco Rubio, has requested these resignations. Many of the officials stepping down are at the level of assistant secretary or higher and are in charge of large bureaus focusing on regions or issues. This turnover may result in a loss of valuable knowledge of both the American institution and global affairs at the start of the new administration.
Veteran diplomats, known as foreign service officers, are unsure of what kind of jobs they will seek or get in the coming weeks. Ambassadors have also been announcing their departures, with some being political appointees and others career diplomats. The outgoing President’s ambassadors have offered their resignations, which have mostly been accepted.
Senator Tim Kaine has urged the incoming Secretary of State to leave career diplomats in their ambassador positions until new ones appointed by Mr. Trump are confirmed. Despite the turnover in diplomatic positions, there are individuals who believe in the importance of supporting public servants and the outstanding work they do for the country. The transition of power in Washington has resulted in significant changes in the diplomatic world, with some long-serving officials like Daniel J. Kritenbrink opting to retire after many years of service.
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