Friday, January 6, 2017

Trump won't give grace period to Obama's ambassadors

 Image result for donald lu alex arvizu

Politiko

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: