Last week, Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman became the latest in a string of diplomats vacating their positions in the Trump administration. In the same week, Kimberly Breier, the United States’ top diplomat for Latin America, also stepped down. The resignations, and Trump’s propensity for conducting foreign policy over Twitter, have some concerned that America’s diplomatic apparatus has been weakened.
“It strikes me as interesting that we’re seeing a cautious and discreet exodus of the best minds of this diplomatic generation leaving this administration,” WGBH News Analyst Charlie Sennott said during an interview with Boston Public Radio on Monday. “You think about the unpredictability of Kim-Jong Un, you think about China — which is absolutely saber rattling — and you think about the instability of the world’s powers right now. It’s a time for America to confidently maintain its posture of muscular diplomacy with our allies by showing support.”
Neither Huntsman nor Breier were explicit about their reasons for resigning. According to Politico, anonymous officials cited personal reasons and differences with the Trump administration for Breier’s resignation. In his resignation letter, Huntsman did not provide any reasoning for leaving. Some, however, speculate that Huntsman, who was known for his cool manner and low-profile approach to handling the delicate relationship between the U.S. and Russia, put him at odds with Trump.
In his letter, Huntsman wrote, “Going forward, we must continue to hold Russia accountable when its behavior threatens and our allies. While much of what divides us is irreconcilable, there are common interests we cannot ignore. No reset or restart is going to help, just a clear understanding of our interests and values — and a sustained framework for dialogue.”
Trump has frequently cast doubt on whether the Russian government interfered in the 2016 presidential election, and if they’ll do so again in 2020. He has also sought to thaw out the relationship between the U.S. and Russia, even going so far as to say he found Russian President Vladimir Putin more trustworthy than the American diplomatic and intelligence community. Sennott said for a president to be at odds with the diplomatic community sets a dangerous precedent.
“Cables aren’t read, warnings are ignored, subtleties are dismissed, and we end up with chaos and a mess of policy,” Sennott said.
