President of the USA Donald Trump issued a directive requiring diplomatic service employees to 'speak with one voice,' following his administration's guidelines under threat of disciplinary action, including dismissal.
The Republican president emphasized that 'all responsible parties or employees, designated for implementation of U.S. foreign policy, must act under President's observation and plenary authority.' In his directive, titled 'One Voice for American Foreign Relations,' Trump added that 'any non-compliance with the President's policy is grounds for disciplinary action' in relation to violations, including 'dismissal.'
This directive applies to all employees of the State Department, whether they are diplomats or civilian employees in this vast agency, which includes up to 80,000 people worldwide.
Trump also instructed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to 'conduct a reform of the diplomatic service to ensure honest and effective implementation of the President's foreign policy,' while the directive must involve a process of 'review or replacement of guidelines or governing principles,' opposing the President's policy.
