Overview

• An August 28 email from the American Foreign Service Association warned diplomats they are operating in "uncharted territory" and that even discreet statements can be politicized and used against them.
• The union said some diplomats posted abroad have been called back after providing less-than-positive analysis or recommendations viewed as unwelcome by leadership.
• AFSA president John Dinkelman reported widespread fear and self-censorship across embassies, adding he would not disclose how many reassignments occurred out of concern for potential retaliation.
• State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Secretary Marco Rubio values candid insights but will not tolerate officials using their positions to undermine the president’s objectives, and the White House affirmed that actions must align with the America First agenda.
• Recent context cited in reports includes more than 1,300 State Department layoffs, the firing of two National Intelligence Council officials, the removal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, and the ouster of the Defense Intelligence Agency director following analyses that conflicted with administration claims.