10 MARCH 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL rare unanimous Senate vote, with all 99 present members in favor. At his “clap-in” ceremony at the State Department later that day, Rubio lauded the department’s employees, calling them “the most talented, the most experienced diplomatic corps in the history of the world.” He acknowledged locally employed (LE) staff worldwide, emphasizing their critical role in advancing U.S. missions. In outlining his priorities, Rubio pledged to elevate the State Department’s role in shaping and executing U.S. foreign policy. He emphasized creativity, boldness, and adaptability in addressing the world’s rapidly evolving challenges, saying: “We need to move at the speed of relevance.” Rubio also stressed the department’s mission to promote peace and safeguard national interests, vowing to work toward a safer, more prosperous future. Rubio reaffirmed his commitment to Trump’s foreign policy goals, outlining a vision focused on strengthening U.S. national interests. Flurry of Executive Orders President Trump began his second term by signing dozens of executive orders, memorandums, and proclamations, many in front of a live audience at Washington’s Capital One Arena, aimed at reversing Biden-era policies and delivering on campaign promises. Within 72 hours, he had rescinded 78 of President Biden’s directives and issued a suite of new actions that deal with immigration, energy, diversity, and federal operations. These actions include declaration of a national emergency at the southern border, reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and an order redefining birthright citizenship—a move already facing significant legal challenges. Trump pardoned roughly 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including several who had assaulted police officers, fulfilling a high-profile but unpopular campaign promise. Trump declared a “national energy emergency” and withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. The orders will fast-track fossil fuel projects, pause offshore wind leasing, and roll back clean energy initiatives. Federal workforce policies saw sweeping changes, including a full-time return to office for federal employees and a freeze to new federal hiring, except in immigration enforcement and military roles. Trump’s diversity-related orders dismantled federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and repealed protections for transgender individuals in federal programs and the military. Employees in DEI positions were put on paid leave, and agencies have been instructed to submit plans for compliance within 60 days. Other orders with implications for the work of Foreign Service professionals Secretary Rubio during a clap-in ceremony in the State Department’s C Street lobby. U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT State Department Transitions As the new administration takes charge, significant changes are underway at the State Department and the other foreign affairs agencies. More than 50 senior positions at State have been vacated, with employees now serving in “acting” capacities as replacements are considered. The transition team asked all career diplomats and political appointees in senior positions at the level of assistant secretary and above to resign as the administration seeks to fill these roles with their own picks. Those asked to step down include Executive Secretary Amb. Dereck Hogan, Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service and Director of Global Talent Amb. Marcia Bernicat, and Acting Under Secretary for Management Amb. Alaina Teplitz. All three have served across multiple administrations, including both Republican and Democratic presidencies, and have extensive experience managing internal coordination, workforce policies, and global talent initiatives. Per standard practice, all ambassadors—both political and career—prepare a resignation letter ahead of an incoming administration. Almost always, all political appointees are invited to depart, while many career chiefs of mission usually remain in their jobs. AFSA is actively tracking nominations, confirmations, and transitions. For the latest updates, please visit AFSA’s confirmation tracker at https://afsa.org/ list-ambassadorial-appointments.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=