Trump issues executive order to reform the Foreign Service

February 12, 2025 TruthUSA

The modifications to foreign relations guidance aim to harmonize the messaging within America’s international diplomacy.

President Donald Trump, on Feb. 12, signed an executive order to create a single voice for foreign service activities and bolster his policy agenda.

According to a statement from the White House, “The order ensures a robust and effective approach to international relations that prioritizes U.S. interests above all. Foreign nations and rogue actors who undermine our sovereignty or security will no longer exploit America.”

Established in 1980 through the Foreign Service Act, the diplomatic corps is tasked with upholding diplomacy and handling foreign relations.

The updated policies aim to enhance service processes and procedures while ensuring that the most qualified and dedicated individuals serve as foreign service personnel.

The executive order reinforces the hierarchy of diplomatic relations, with the president overseeing all directives and authorizing actions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been directed to have authority over foreign and civil service officers and to revamp the guidelines to enhance hiring practices, including recruitment, evaluation, performance, and retention.

Failure to adhere to the president’s foreign policy agenda is cause for dismissal, as per the law.

Rubio is also authorized to amend or replace the existing guidelines, including the Foreign Affairs Manual—a document crafted by the State Department to offer guidance to staff and contractors.

The revisions are aimed at ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of the president’s foreign policy goals.

“President Trump is dedicated to upholding the integrity of U.S. foreign policy by ensuring that America’s interests are prioritized through a unified diplomatic voice, holding personnel accountable to the President’s vision,” the White House stated.

Some foreign service officers may be affected by Trump’s reassessment of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The newly established Department of Government Efficiency, led by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, claims to have identified billions of dollars in “wasteful” spending and a lack of oversight within USAID.

With the president’s directive to temporarily halt foreign aid during the review, some foreign service personnel and USAID programs face uncertain futures, as indicated by posts from certain service officers on social media.

Thousands of USAID employees, representing around 97 percent of the agency’s staff, were informed last week that they would be placed on administrative leave by the end of Feb. 7.

Subsequently, the American Foreign Service Association filed a lawsuit on Feb. 11 challenging the actions affecting USAID, alleging that the layoffs and funding freeze raise “national security” concerns.

Since beginning his second term on Jan. 20, Trump has prioritized international relations to bolster U.S. economic interests.

He also signed an executive order titled the “America First Policy Directive,” instructing the secretary of state to always prioritize the interests of the United States and its citizens during negotiations with foreign nations.

The Trump administration’s recurring theme of creating “peace through strength” was emphasized by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Feb. 12.

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