A significant number of senior career diplomats who held politically appointed leadership positions at the State Department have left their posts at the request of the incoming Trump administration. This move is part of the administration's plan to appoint its own individuals to these key roles, according to current and outgoing U.S. officials.
It is common for personnel changes to occur in the senior ranks of federal agencies following a presidential election. Career officials in these positions are required to submit letters of resignation before the new administration takes office, similar to non-career political appointees.
While some resignations in the past have not been accepted, allowing for continuity in the day-to-day operations of the bureaucracy, the current departures come at a critical time in foreign policy, particularly in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East.
At the National Security Council (NSC), incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to evaluate non-political career detailees. These individuals, who are subject matter experts detailed to the NSC from agencies like the State Department, FBI, and CIA, are being questioned about their political loyalties and contributions.
The NSC plays a crucial role in advising the president on national security and foreign policy matters. The administration's plans for evaluating NSC staff members appear to be a shift from earlier indications of immediate and drastic changes on Day 1.
At the State Department, several senior career diplomats, including acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass, have been reassigned. Unless new nominations are made swiftly, these positions may be filled by current subordinates of the outgoing officials, who are experienced career diplomats with bipartisan backgrounds.
While the outgoing officials were not terminated, they were informed last week that their resignations had been accepted. They will remain as foreign service officers within the State Department unless they choose to retire or leave government service.
