• Trump recalls nearly 30 ambassadors to align U.S. foreign policy with 'America First' priorities.
• American Foreign Service Association criticizes the abrupt recalls as detrimental to U.S. credibility.
• Ambassadors from numerous countries, including those in Africa, are affected by the removals.

The Trump administration is recalling almost 30 ambassadors and senior career diplomats to realign U.S. embassies with President Donald Trump’s "America First" priorities. A senior State Department official stated that an ambassador serves as a "personal representative" of the President, emphasizing that it is the President's prerogative to have individuals who forward this agenda in diplomatic posts, according to Indiatimes, Al Jazeera, and The Hill.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) condemned the process, reporting that diplomats received notices, often by phone, without explanations. This abrupt approach is considered “highly irregular” and indicative of potential institutional sabotage, according to AFSA spokesperson Nikki Gamer. She highlighted concerns that such recalls could harm morale and diminish America's credibility on the global stage, as stated in reports from Indiatimes and The Hill.

Countries particularly affected by these recalls include several in Africa, with ambassadors from nations such as Burundi, Nigeria, and Uganda ordered back, along with representatives from regions spanning Asia and the Middle East. The decision is part of a broader strategy underlined by the administration's ethos but has drawn criticism for potentially undermining long-established diplomatic norms, according to Al Jazeera and The Hill.

Critics, such as Senator Jeanne Shaheen, argue that these recalls could lead to a decline in U.S. leadership internationally, claiming it makes America "less safe and less strong." The AFSA has described this situation as unprecedented in the over 100-year history of the U.S. Foreign Service, warning that it might destabilize institutions and disrupt relationships with allies, according to Indiatimes, Al Jazeera, and The Hill.