Alec Russell, Abigail Hauslohner and Ian HodgsonJul 17, 2026 – 5.00amFor an ambitious American diplomat, it is quite the time to be scouting for a new role – at least on paper. As of late June, more than half of American ambassadorships were vacant, including high-status posts from Germany to Saudi Arabia. For would-be Africa hands, there is a particular opportunity: nearly 80 per cent of US embassies on the continent do not have an ambassador.Inside the US Department of State, however, the job prospects for diplomats do not look so rosy. Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, he has made clear his disdain for what he has called “a very foolish foreign policy establishment”.Financial TimesSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
RIP the State Department: US foreign policy in crisis
America’s diplomats used to have global sway. Now they are besieged by their own president, and many feel their clout will be gone for good.
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