Donald Trump named more of his political allies to serve as ambassadors than any president in modern history. Now the pressure is on Joe Biden to reverse that trend – and set a new standard.
Most presidents in recent decades have given 30 per cent of ambassadorships to political appointees, including major campaign donors. But Trump increased that number to roughly 44 per cent, which included posts in some countries that usually went to career diplomats, such Thailand and Kenya. As Biden concludes his eighth week in office, donors are growing impatient and calling White House officials and allies to ask what they can do to secure a spot.
At the White House, the selection of Senate-confirmed ambassadors is being shepherded by Steve Ricchetti, counsellor to the president; Cathy Russell, director of the White House presidential personnel office; and Katie Petrelius, special assistant to the president for presidential personnel, according to the two people briefed by the White House.
“When you talk to [donors], get them in a private room and off guard, they’ll be real open to the fact that they’re looking to get something out of it,” according to a donor. “Is it openly spoken about? No, but it’s pretty clear.” Career diplomats say they don’t think all political appointees are poor choices to be ambassadors. Some political appointees, they say, have been excellent while other career appointees have flopped.
They also hope the administration considers placing career appointees in high-profile but challenging ambassadorships in Russia and China.Nominating a career diplomat instead of a political one can send certain signals to his overseas counterparts.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.