The United States is recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy positions worldwide as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape Washington’s diplomatic presence abroad.
According to US media reports citing State Department officials, chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were informed last week that their assignments would end in January. The diplomats were originally appointed during the previous US administration and had continued serving into President Donald Trump’s second term before receiving notice of their recall.
Laos is among six countries in Asia where ambassadorial positions are affected, alongside the Philippines and Vietnam in Southeast Asia. Africa has seen the largest number of changes, followed by Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.
US officials said the diplomats are not being dismissed from the foreign service but will return to Washington for reassignment if they choose. Ambassadors serve at the discretion of the US president, and while terms often last three to four years, changes can occur at any time.
Officials said the administration aims to ensure overseas missions align with President Trump’s “America First” policy priorities.
For Laos, the potential leadership change comes as the two countries continue cooperation across areas including development assistance, health, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Any transition at the embassy level could temporarily affect diplomatic engagement as new appointments or interim arrangements are put in place.
The Laotian Times sought clarification from the US Embassy in Laos, which did not comment and directed inquiries to Washington.
At the time of publication, no official announcement had been made locally regarding the timing or scope of any changes at the US Embassy in Laos.