A group of 10 Democratic senators from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sent a strongly worded letter to President Donald Trump on December 24, 2025, calling for the immediate reversal of what they described as an "unprecedented" decision to recall nearly 30 career U.S. ambassadors. The lawmakers warned that the move, combined with existing vacancies, would leave more than half of all U.S. ambassadorial posts worldwide empty, severely undermining national security, U.S. credibility abroad, and the safety of American citizens and interests.
Led by Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), the signatories included Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The letter highlighted the lack of consultation with Congress and absence of a replacement plan, arguing that the abrupt recalls of experienced, Senate-confirmed, nonpartisan professionals create a dangerous leadership vacuum.
“We write with urgent concern surrounding the unprecedented decision to recall nearly 30 career U.S. ambassadors,” the senators stated. They noted that approximately 80 ambassadorial posts were already vacant prior to the order, pushing the total to "well over 100 – about half of all U.S. ambassadorial positions in the world." The lawmakers emphasized that no administration has undertaken such a sweeping recall of career diplomats since the modern Foreign Service was established roughly a century ago.
The senators argued that the voids would hamper U.S. ability to advance interests, respond to crises, and counter geopolitical rivals. “As the over 100 U.S. embassies lacking senior leadership await a new U.S. ambassador, China, Russia and others will maintain regular communications with the foreign leaders that we will have effectively abandoned, allowing our adversaries to expand their reach and influence to limit, and even harm, U.S. interests,” they wrote. Specific concerns included weakened positions in the Indo-Pacific, Africa (where more than half of sub-Saharan posts could lack ambassadors), the Balkans, and Latin America, regions where China is expanding economic influence.
The letter praised the recalled ambassadors as dedicated professionals who have faithfully served administrations of both parties. “These ambassadors have demonstrated their commitment to faithfully execute the policies of administrations of both parties for decades. We need their skills and nonpartisan experience now more than ever,” the senators said, concluding: “We urge you to reverse this decision immediately before more damage is done to America’s standing in the world.”
The recalls, quietly ordered in recent days and affecting posts across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aim to align U.S. missions with Trump's "America First" agenda. Ambassadors were reportedly notified by phone to vacate posts by mid-January 2026, with no explanations provided. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), representing diplomats, expressed deep concern over the "abrupt" process, warning it could politicize the Foreign Service and harm morale.
A State Department spokesperson defended the action as "a standard process in any administration," stating that ambassadors serve as the president's personal representatives and must advance the "America First" priorities. The spokesperson also accused Senate Democrats of "unprecedented obstruction" of Trump's nominees, noting Republican-led rule changes in September 2025 to expedite confirmations amid delays.
The controversy stems from earlier reports of the recalls, first detailed in mid-December 2025, targeting career diplomats appointed under the Biden administration who had survived initial purges of political appointees. Critics, including former officials, called the move unusual and potentially damaging to institutional expertise.
As Trump's second term progresses, ambassadorial nominations remain slow, exacerbating vacancies. The episode underscores tensions over politicization of the diplomatic corps, with Democrats viewing the recalls as sabotage and the administration framing them as necessary realignment.
On Christmas Eve 2025, the letter amplified bipartisan concerns about U.S. diplomatic readiness amid global challenges, including ongoing conflicts and great-power competition.
