Trump Administration's Demand for Departures Affects Senior Leadership at State Department

A significant number of senior career diplomats in the United States have vacated their roles at the State Department. This shift comes as the new Donald Trump administration seeks to appoint its own personnel. Such changes are typical after a presidential election, with career officials required to submit resignation letters, similar to political appointees. Historically, some resignations have been declined, allowing officials to temporarily stay on.

Lisa Kenna, a former ambassador to Peru, is one diplomat who will remain briefly. She was appointed acting secretary of state following Monday's inauguration. Kenna will hold this position until Marco Rubio, Trump's nominee for top diplomat, is confirmed by the Senate. Afterward, she will return to her previous role as executive secretary under former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Impact on Foreign Policy

The turnover occurs during a tense period in foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and the Middle East. Conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, while negotiations are needed soon to extend a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. These changes in leadership at the State Department and National Security Council (NSC) could have more impact than in past transitions.

At the NSC, Mike Waltz, Trump's incoming national security advisor, will begin evaluating non-political career detailees. A source familiar with the situation mentioned that guidance for affected NSC staff is expected shortly. Earlier this month, Trump administration officials questioned some civil servants about their 2024 election votes and political contributions.

The NSC advises the president on national security and foreign policy and coordinates among government agencies. Experts detailed to the NSC often continue from one administration to another, even when parties change. The staff members questioned about loyalty are mainly experts loaned from agencies like the State Department, FBI, and CIA for temporary duty.

Personnel Changes and Evaluations

Plans for evaluation suggest a more cautious approach than initially indicated by the administration. Waltz stated that everyone would resign at 12:01 on January 20. He expressed a desire for NSC staff aligned with the president's agenda. "We're working through our process to get everybody their clearances and through the transition process now," Waltz said.

It remains unclear if State Department officials being reassigned were questioned about political loyalties. Many have served under multiple administrations over the years. Among those reassigned is John Bass, acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, who was previously the No. 3 US diplomat before Trump took office.

Unless Trump quickly nominates replacements for these positions, outgoing officials' subordinates will fill many roles temporarily. These subordinates are often career diplomats with experience under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Despite these changes, career diplomats will still hold senior positions within the State Department.

The outgoing officials were not dismissed but informed last week that their resignations had been accepted. They remain State Department employees as foreign service officers unless they choose to retire or leave government service altogether.