A significant number of senior career diplomats at the State Department, many of whom held politically appointed leadership roles, have stepped down as the incoming Trump administration seeks to replace them with its appointees, as reported by U.S. officials.
Changes in personnel at the senior levels of the department are typical following a presidential election. Both career officials in these posts and political appointees are required to submit resignations to facilitate the transition to a new administration. Traditionally, some of these resignations have been declined, allowing career diplomats to retain their positions temporarily while awaiting the appointment of the new administration’s team, which aids in ensuring continuity within the bureaucracy.
One prominent diplomat, Lisa Kenna, who has served under Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, remains in her post and has been appointed as acting secretary of state shortly after the inauguration. However, her tenure is expected to be brief, concluding when Marco Rubio is confirmed as Trump’s nominee for the role later that day. Until then, Kenna will fulfill her duties temporarily before returning to her previous position as executive secretary under former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
This shifting of personnel comes at a critical moment on the global stage, particularly concerning ongoing tensions in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. With active conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as imminent negotiations regarding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, these transitions within the State Department and the White House National Security Council (NSC) may have profound implications for U.S. foreign policy.
As for the NSC, incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz is set to begin a review process for non-political career detailees, signaling a potential shift in personnel strategy. According to sources familiar with the planning, guidance for affected staff is expected to be communicated soon.
Furthermore, officials from the incoming Trump administration have reportedly questioned some career civil servants about their political affiliations, contributions, and any potentially compromising social media activity, which has raised concerns about the scrutiny placed on these officials. The NSC, which plays a critical role in advising the president on national security and foreign policy, typically retains subject matter experts from various agencies even through changes of administration.
Amidst the backdrop of these adjustments, it’s unclear if those being reassigned from the State Department were subjected to inquiries regarding their political loyalties. Nonetheless, many of these diplomats have extensive experience, having served under different administrations over the years.
Among those expected to transition out of their current roles is John Bass, the acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, as well as other key under secretaries and assistant secretaries responsible for managing various political portfolios. If the Trump administration does not act swiftly to appoint new individuals, the departing officials’ subordinates, who are seasoned career diplomats, may temporarily fill these essential roles. Despite the changes, career diplomats are anticipated to maintain significant positions within the State Department.
The diplomats who are stepping down were not terminated but were informed that their routine resignations had been accepted in a formal announcement last week. They will continue their roles as foreign service officers unless they choose to retire or leave government service altogether.
