Trump Fills 90% of Ambassador Picks With Political Supporters
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 6
Trump Fills 90% of Ambassador Picks With Political Supporters
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Aug 6
Summary
A Washington Post analysis found 90% of Donald Trump’s ambassador nominations have gone to political supporters, marking a sharper tilt toward donors and loyalists than recent presidents.
That pattern has displaced career diplomats from posts long held by the foreign service, signaling a broader preference for political allies in top overseas roles.
Egypt illustrates the shift: in June, Trump nominated a political donor and lawyer who represented Jan. 6 rioters for an ambassadorship traditionally filled by a career diplomat.
The appointments underscore how Trump is using diplomatic posts as political rewards, potentially reshaping the balance between patronage and professional diplomacy across the State Department.