In his first term, President Donald Trump openly showed disdain for the State Department, referring to it as the “Deep State Department.” Now, in his new term, he is appointing a series of special envoys with a direct line to him to carry out specific missions. While this fits with Trump’s goal of having loyal individuals in key government positions, critics worry that this approach could lead to confusion and overlap in responsibilities.
The growing number of special envoys, ambassadors, and foreign policy professionals could potentially create uncertainty for foreign capitals trying to determine who holds real influence over decisions. The situation in Britain is highlighted, where multiple incoming officials may lay claim to Trump’s support or knowledge.
A former acting U.S. ambassador to Britain raised concerns about potential disastrous results from having both an ambassador and a special envoy to the same country. Senators and diplomats have expressed confusion and skepticism over the appointment of numerous special envoys and ambassadors, suggesting that the overlapping roles could undermine the authority of the Secretary of State and the State Department.
Despite these concerns, some experts recognize the historical precedence of using special envoys for specific purposes in diplomacy. The appointment of numerous special envoys by Trump is seen as an attempt to focus on critical issues and further his administration’s agenda. The challenge lies in ensuring that these envoys work cohesively and do not create conflicting messages or responsibilities.
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