Personnel changes implemented by the administration of US President Donald Trump have resulted in the departure of approximately 2,000 high-ranking and career diplomats over the past year, either through dismissal or forced retirement.
According to a report by Operative Information Center-OMM, which cited NBC News, many diplomats interviewed declined to speak on the record. However, Kelli Adams-Smith, who was confirmed as the next US ambassador to Moldova in 2024, spoke publicly about the issue. Her appointment was rescinded by the Trump administration in February 2025. NBC News reported that she was not offered another suitable position within the US Department of State, forcing her resignation, while her diplomat spouse also left the service.
The US Department of State has declined to provide exact figures regarding the number of employees dismissed. However, the recent wave of staff reductions and forced retirements has led to significant vacancies within the US diplomatic corps. Currently, 17 ambassadorial positions remain vacant in Europe, while 41 posts are unfilled in Africa, 23 in Asia and Oceania, and 17 in North and South America. Experts warn that these gaps could weaken Washington's influence on the international stage and negatively impact the effectiveness of US foreign policy.
