President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Feb. 12 meant to establish a sole voice for foreign service activities and help strengthen his policy agenda.
“The order guarantees a strong and effective approach to international relations that always serves U.S. interests first,” a statement from the White House reads. “No longer will America be taken advantage of by foreign nations or by rogue actors who undermine our sovereignty or security.”
Established in 1980 by the Foreign Service Act, the diplomatic corps is responsible for maintaining diplomacy and managing foreign relations.
Updated policies are intended to improve service processes and procedures while ensuring that the most qualified and committed individuals serve as foreign service personnel….