In a move that has sparked significant debate within diplomatic circles, the Trump administration has appointed Lew Olowski, a national security lawyer with just four years of foreign service experience, as the acting head of the State Department's Global Talent Management Bureau. This bureau is responsible for overseeing the recruitment, assignment, and career development of the U.S. diplomatic corps.
Olowski's appointment aligns with President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape the federal workforce to ensure unwavering adherence to his "America First" policies. Prior to this role, Olowski served as a senior counselor at the Department of Homeland Security during Trump's first term. Notably, he entered the foreign service in 2021, making his rapid ascent to a senior position unprecedented.
The decision to place an officer with limited experience in such a pivotal role has been met with criticism. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), representing career diplomats, expressed deep concern, likening the move to assigning a junior military officer to oversee the Pentagon's personnel operations. They emphasized that this position has traditionally been held by seasoned diplomats with extensive experience.
This appointment is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reform the U.S. diplomatic corps. In February, President Trump issued an executive order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to implement reforms ensuring that the foreign service faithfully executes the administration's foreign policy agenda. The order stipulates that failure to comply could result in disciplinary action, including termination.
The administration's approach has led to significant upheaval within the State Department. Recently, Tibor Nagy, a Trump-appointed official overseeing management at the department, resigned less than three months into his tenure, returning to retirement. His brief stint was marked by efforts to streamline operations and implement substantial reforms, including staff reductions and the closure of certain overseas missions.
Critics argue that these rapid changes and appointments of less experienced individuals to senior roles could undermine the effectiveness and morale of the U.S. diplomatic corps. They caution that such moves may diminish U.S. influence on the global stage and create opportunities for rival nations to assert themselves in international affairs.
As the administration continues its efforts to align the foreign service with its policy objectives, the diplomatic community remains watchful, concerned about the potential long-term implications of these significant shifts in leadership and strategy.