Trump Recalls US Ambassador to Nigeria, other Countries in Sweeping Diplomatic Reshuffle
President Donald Trump has recalled the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., as part of a far-reaching overhaul of American diplomatic postings that affects about 30 senior envoys across the world
Ambassador Mills, who was appointed on July 25, 2024, is among 13 ambassadors serving in African countries impacted by the decision, making Africa the region most affected by the reshuffle. Washington insiders say the move is designed to realign US foreign policy with President Trump’s “America First” agenda. According to the Associated Press (AP), the diplomats affected — many of whom were appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden but initially retained after Trump returned to office — were informed last week that their assignments would end in January 2026 Ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president,” an official familiar with the development told AP. The official noted that ambassadors typically serve for three to four years, and that the decision reflects the president’s prerogative to shape his diplomatic team. Officials speaking on condition of anonymity clarified that those recalled are not being dismissed from the US Foreign Service. Instead, they may be reassigned to Washington-based roles or other positions if they choose to continue their careers in public service. The US State Department declined to confirm the exact number of envoys affected by the recall. However, in a statement, the department described the action as routine, stressing that ambassadors are personal representatives of the president and that it is within his authority to ensure they are advancing his policy priorities. Beyond Nigeria, ambassadors were recalled from several African countries, including Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda. The Asia-Pacific region recorded six changes, while additional recalls affected diplomats serving in Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere The development represents one of the most extensive diplomatic reshuffles of President Trump’s second term and signals a renewed effort by the White House to assert tighter control over US foreign policy direction worldwide.
