As President Trump officially steps into office, a significant number of senior diplomats are leaving their posts—and it’s happening quicker and in greater numbers than during previous presidential transitions. While it’s normal for career officials to step aside when a new administration takes over, the pace and scale of these departures are raising eyebrows. According to sources familiar with the situation, the Trump transition team has asked dozens of high-ranking diplomats to resign as early as Monday. Many of these officials, who hold key roles like assistant secretary or higher, oversee major bureaus focused on global regions or critical issues. While some of these positions are typically filled by political appointees who leave during transitions, the speed of this shake-up is unusual. The move could mean a loss of valuable expertise in both U.S. institutions and international affairs at a crucial time. These seasoned diplomats, often referred to as foreign service officers, bring decades of experience to the table. Some have already held top roles within the State Department and may see limited opportunities for advancement under the new administration. It’s still unclear what’s next for these departing officials. Some may retire, especially if they’ve served for over 20 years, while others might seek new roles within or outside the government. Career diplomats are protected by a union, which would step in if any unfair dismissals occur. This rapid turnover highlights the challenges of transitioning power in Washington. While it’s standard for a new president to bring in their own team, the scale of these departures suggests a more dramatic shift than usual. As the Trump administration settles in, the impact of losing so much institutional knowledge remains to be seen. ---