Trump’s Demands Lead to Mass Departures in State Department Leadership

Washington: So, it looks like a bunch of senior diplomats at the State Department are packing up and leaving. This is all happening because the new Trump administration wants to bring in its own people.You know, after a presidential election, it’s pretty normal for changes like this to happen. Those in top roles, whether they’re career officials or political appointees, usually have to submit their resignations.

Sometimes, though, the new president doesn’t accept all those resignations, which helps keep things running smoothly for a bit. But this time, it seems like many are being told to go.

Among those leaving is John Bass, who was the acting Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. He was a big deal, being the No. 3 diplomat before Trump took over. All the under secretaries and assistant secretaries are also affected.

If Trump doesn’t act fast to fill these roles, the jobs might go to the current subordinates, who are experienced career diplomats. They’ve been around through both Republican and Democratic administrations, so they know the ropes.

The folks leaving weren’t fired; they were just told their resignations were accepted. They can still stay on as foreign service officers unless they choose to retire or leave the government altogether.