CaliToday (27/12/2025): In a sweeping move to realign the U.S. State Department with the "America First" doctrine, the Trump administration has issued recall orders to nearly 30 senior diplomats and ambassadors stationed worldwide, including the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, Marc E. Knapper.
This major reshuffle, confirmed by State Department officials this week, signals a significant pivot in Washington’s foreign policy machinery as President Trump moves into the second year of his term.
The "Jan 2026" Deadline
According to an Associated Press report released earlier this week, heads of mission in at least 29 countries have been notified that their tenures will effectively end by January 2026.
These diplomats, many of whom were appointed during the Biden administration, had initially survived the preliminary reviews during the chaotic first months of Trump's second term. However, the administration has now decided to install new leadership to better reflect its current priorities.
Two State Department officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, clarified that these career diplomats are not being fired. Instead, they are being recalled to Washington, D.C., where they will be reassigned to other duties if they choose to remain in the Foreign Service.
"Personal Representatives of the President"
The State Department has defended the move against criticism from diplomatic unions and lawmakers who fear a "brain drain" of institutional knowledge.
"An ambassador is the personal representative of the president," a State Department spokesperson stated. "The president has the right to ensure that he has individuals in place who are fully committed to advancing the 'America First' agenda in these strategic nations."
While ambassadors typically serve three-to-four-year terms, they serve "at the pleasure of the president," meaning they can be removed or replaced at any time.
Spotlight on Vietnam: Ambassador Knapper to Depart
The inclusion of Marc E. Knapper, the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, is particularly notable given the strategic importance of Hanoi in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
- Tenure: Knapper took office in early 2022 and is the 8th U.S. ambassador since the normalization of relations in 1995.
- Legacy: His term has overseen a historic upgrade in relations, culminating in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
What’s Next? The recall suggests that the Trump administration may want a fresher, perhaps more transactional approach to trade and security relations with Vietnam, distinct from the Biden-era policies.
A Global Sweep: Africa and Asia Hardest Hit
The recall order affects a broad swath of the globe, with Africa seeing the most significant turnover. Ambassadors from 13 nations including Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and Somalia are being replaced.
Asia is the second most affected region, with six key missions set for a leadership change:
- Vietnam
- Philippines (A critical defense treaty ally)
- Laos
- Fiji
- Marshall Islands
- Papua New Guinea
The list also includes four European nations and select posts in the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere.
Analysis: Routine Rotation or Political Purge?
While the administration calls this a "standard process," critics argue the scale and timing suggest a concerted effort to purge the diplomatic corps of perceived holdovers from the previous administration. As Washington prepares for 2026, the world will be watching closely to see who President Trump selects to carry his message to these capital cities.
Thế Anh
CaliToday.Net