Overview

• An Aug. 28 email from the American Foreign Service Association told members they are operating in "uncharted territory" and warned that even discreet statements can be politicized and used against them.
• The union reported that some diplomats posted abroad have been recalled after providing less-than-positive analysis or recommendations considered unwelcome by leadership.
• AFSA president John Dinkelman said he is hearing from posts worldwide that diplomats are fearful and reluctant to share seasoned assessments or propose alternative courses of action.
• A State Department spokesperson said Secretary Marco Rubio values candid insights but will not tolerate officials undermining the president’s objectives, and a White House spokesperson said actions must align with the America First agenda.
• Experts cited in the reporting warned that chilled input could blind decision-makers to crucial facts and lead to unintended consequences.