The Washington Sun reported Oct. 22 that officials told candidates only those who voted for President Donald Trump could qualify for mid-to-upper-level Foreign Service posts, raising questions about political affiliation in promotion decisions.
The Sun said candidates were asked whom they voted for in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. The report described the questions as part of screening for those positions. It also said officials warned that contributions to Democratic candidates could count against applicants seeking advancement.
The Sun cited six current and former State Department officials. Three said they had spoken directly with diplomats who received the questions.
The State Department initially declined to address the questions, according to the Sun. Seven hours after publication, a spokesperson challenged the report’s premise, saying employees had not been asked about political affiliation, including in promotion decisions. The spokesperson said the standard concerned implementing the president’s policies rather than partisan conduct, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had emphasized merit and employee performance in advancing administration priorities.
Section 3 FAM 1212.1 of the department’s Foreign Affairs Manual says Foreign Service personnel programs must avoid discrimination based on political affiliation and promotions must be merit-based.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said she was working with the House and other relevant committees to investigate the claims. She said national security positions should be filled based on experience and ability rather than political loyalty.
