Trump Orders Overhaul of Foreign Service, Citing 'America First' Agenda

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday, directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reform the foreign service to ensure full alignment with his "America First" policy. The order mandates changes in recruitment, performance evaluations, and retention to build a workforce committed to his agenda.

The directive follows a shake-up at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where staff were put on leave, agency signage was removed, and the website went offline. Trump previously froze most U.S. foreign aid hours after taking office to reassess its alignment with national interests.

The executive order grants Rubio authority to restructure the Foreign Service Institute and revise or replace the Foreign Affairs Manual. It also states that failure to implement the president’s foreign policy could lead to professional discipline, including termination.

Trump has frequently vowed to eliminate the so-called "deep state," removing officials he deems disloyal. Former and current USAID officials told Reuters that the staff purge appeared aimed at silencing dissent.

This move signals a broader effort to ensure all aspects of U.S. foreign policy strictly adhere to Trump's vision.