Overview

• An Aug. 28 advisory obtained by NBC 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 email said some embassy staff have been recalled or reassigned after offering “less-than-positive” analysis or unwelcome recommendations to leadership.
• AFSA president John Dinkelman said he is hearing global reports of fear and reluctance to provide frank assessments, while declining to disclose counts of reassignments to avoid exposing colleagues.
• State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Secretary Marco Rubio values candid insights but will not tolerate officials undermining the president’s objectives, and White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said actions must align with President Trump’s agenda.
• Coverage links the warning to recent personnel actions, including the May dismissal of two senior intelligence analysts, the Aug. 1 removal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, and reported layoffs at the State Department.