Reflecting on the tumultuous period of the late 2010s and early 2020s, the profound impact of US President Donald Trump’s reliance on amateur diplomats is undeniable. This approach, which often sidelined seasoned professionals, introduced significant instability into global affairs and arguably diminished America’s long-term influence on the world stage, creating a high cost of Trump’s amateur diplomats.
This strategic shift marked a departure from decades of established foreign policy, prioritizing loyalty and perceived business acumen over deep institutional knowledge and diplomatic experience. The consequences were far-reaching, affecting international alliances, trade agreements, and the United States’ reputation as a reliable global partner. Experts have since meticulously analyzed how this era reshaped geopolitical landscapes.
The ramifications extended beyond immediate policy changes, fostering an environment where critical diplomatic roles remained unfilled or were occupied by individuals lacking fundamental expertise. This vacuum of professional guidance often left allies confused and adversaries emboldened, challenging the very foundations of American global leadership and strategic coherence.
The erosion of professional diplomacy
The deliberate sidelining of career foreign service officers represented a significant blow to the State Department’s institutional capacity. According to a 2023 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the number of senior career diplomats decreased by nearly 10% during the Trump administration, while the number of political appointees rose. This shift directly impacted the depth of expertise available for complex international negotiations.
As Jan-Werner Mueller articulated in a thought-provoking commentary for Project Syndicate in January 2026, the strategy of favoring political appointees over career foreign service officers channeled a deep-seated American anti-intellectualism. This approach, Mueller argued, directly impacted global perceptions of U.S. foreign policy.
Mueller further highlighted disconcerting events, such as the perceived snub of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a Mar-a-Lago visit, contrasting sharply with the elaborate reception given to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage months prior. Such instances, whether intentional or not, conveyed mixed signals to the global community, underscoring the unpredictable nature of U.S. engagement.
This trend of diplomatic inexperience contributed to several foreign policy missteps. For example, the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the Paris Agreement, while driven by policy objectives, were executed with limited input from seasoned negotiators, leading to strained relations with European allies. A Council on Foreign Relations analysis from 2024 noted the enduring challenges posed by this unilateral approach, particularly regarding international consensus building.
Geopolitical instability and diminished influence
The departure from traditional diplomatic norms created an environment ripe for geopolitical instability. Allies questioned the consistency of US commitments, while rivals capitalized on perceived weaknesses. The constant turnover of envoys and the often-unpredictable nature of US foreign policy pronouncements undermined long-standing relationships.
Consider the transatlantic alliance, which faced unprecedented strains. Key European leaders expressed frustration over communication breakdowns and a perceived lack of respect for multilateral institutions. A Brookings Institution study published in late 2025 indicated that trust in US leadership among NATO members reached its lowest point in decades during this period, necessitating years of concerted effort to rebuild.
This erosion of trust carried tangible consequences, from trade disputes to a less unified front against global challenges like climate change and cyber warfare. The long-term costs of this amateur diplomacy are still being tallied, manifesting in a more fragmented international order, where the United States must exert greater effort to achieve its objectives.
The legacy of relying on amateur diplomats during the Trump administration serves as a stark reminder of the intrinsic value of professional foreign service. The complex challenges of global governance demand nuanced understanding, established networks, and consistent engagement, qualities cultivated over careers, not acquired overnight. Future administrations, regardless of political stripe, face the imperative of reinvesting in and empowering their diplomatic institutions to ensure America’s effective leadership in an increasingly intricate world.
