Trump Administration Warned US Diplomats Of Retaliation For Offering Honest Assessments: Report

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 20:29 IST

The State Department’s civil service faces new promotion criteria emphasizing loyalty over impartial assessments.

US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attend a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

American diplomats posted at embassies abroad are reportedly being recalled from their assignments for offering analysis or recommendations that the administration considers “less-than-positive" or unwelcome, according to an August 28 email obtained by NBC News.

The issue came to light when the email, described by union officials as “alarming," landed in the inboxes of US diplomats worldwide. It warned that providing candid assessments or advice that does not align with the Trump administration’s priorities could have consequences.

The message was sent by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the union representing the State Department’s workforce. “We are operating in uncharted territory," it began. “The environment facing the Foreign Service today is unlike anything we’ve seen."

“Even if offered discreetly, any statement, verbal or written, can be politicized and used against you. That is the reality we face," read the message from the American Foreign Service Association, which was accessed by the broadcaster.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...

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News world Trump Administration Warned US Diplomats Of Retaliation For Offering Honest Assessments: Report

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