Report says Trump administration changes have left US diplomats demoralized and less effective in their roles

A recent report from the union representing American foreign service officers reveals that policy changes under the Trump administration have severely impacted the morale and effectiveness of US diplomats. Conducted through a survey of foreign service members, the report shows that 98% of respondents felt morale has dropped since January, with roughly one-third considering early departure from the foreign service.

Since January, a quarter of the foreign service has either resigned, retired, faced agency downsizing, or been removed from their positions, and even more are contemplating leaving. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) report emphasizes concerns previously voiced by career diplomats and foreign policy analysts regarding the consequences of the administration's restructuring of the State Department and foreign assistance programs.

The dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has resulted in numerous job losses for diplomats. In July, over 240 foreign service officers received notices of termination, scheduled for later in the year, as part of a major reorganization within the State Department. AFSA claims these actions violate federal law.

"The U.S. Foreign Service is being systematically undermined by its leadership," warned AFSA President John Dinkelman. "The institution charged with representing American interests abroad is being dismantled in real time."

The survey, conducted between August and September with over 2,100 participants, found that 86% believed the Trump administration's policy changes harmed their ability to carry out US foreign policy. Only 1% reported any improvement. Diplomats cited budget cuts, reduced staffing, and diminished credibility as major obstacles. Key initiatives are delayed or suspended, workloads have grown, and 46% reported new challenges in negotiating with international counterparts.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the State Department staff as highly skilled and effective on his first day in office, the administration has largely relied on a small circle of personal associates and business allies for foreign policy decisions. This shift has left many career diplomats fearful of retaliation.

Morale has further declined following a reduction-in-force that affected 246 foreign service officers and over 1,000 civil service employees. Initially placed on administrative leave for 120 days, affected diplomats were later informed that the final terminations would take place on December 5. AFSA has argued that this move violates a continuing resolution that prohibits federal funds from being used to carry out workforce reductions during its duration. The State Department, however, maintains that the reduction-in-force process began prior to the lapse in appropriations and will proceed as planned.

AFSA has announced intentions to pursue legal action in response to the terminations.

Author: Harper Simmons