In an unusual step, President-elect Donald Trump's
transition team has decided not to let U.S. ambassadors who are
political appointees of President Barack Obama stay on for a grace
period beyond Inauguration Day, a source confirmed Thursday.
The decision has left some of the diplomats, who represent
the United States in countries such as Britain, Saudi Arabia and Japan,
scrambling to figure out new living arrangements, visa rules and what
options they have for their children's schooling. It also could mean
some top U.S. embassies are left without an ambassador for months as
Trump finds his footing.
In typical presidential transitions, politically appointed
ambassadors have at times been allowed to stay on the job for weeks or
months after the new president has taken office. It's partly been done
this way out of personal courtesy for their family situations, but it
can also help allow for some continuity as the new administration moves
to fill a vast number of postings stateside and abroad.
Following tradition, President Barack Obama has directed all
political appointees in his Democratic administration to submit their
resignations effective on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, making room for the
new Republican president's appointees.
No comments:
Post a Comment