Trump transition team asks 3 State Department officials to resign: report

Trump’s transition team has reportedly asked three senior career diplomats to step down from their roles, according to Reuters. Dereck Hogan, Marcia Bernicat, and Alaina Teplitz, who oversee the State Department’s workforce and internal coordination, were allegedly asked to leave their roles. This move has raised concerns among some officials, with one U.S. official familiar with the matter telling Reuters, “There’s a little bit of a concern that this might be setting the stage for something worse.”

All three diplomats have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, highlighting their extensive experience in government. Unlike political appointees, career diplomats typically do not resign when a new president takes office, making this request notable.

The request for these diplomats to step down could be seen as part of Trump’s efforts to shake up the government bureaucracy, a theme that has been consistent throughout his political career. Trump’s team responded to the request for comment by stating, “It is entirely appropriate for the transition to seek officials who share President Trump’s vision for putting our nation and America’s working men and women first. We have a lot of failures to fix and that requires a committed team focused on the same goals.”

This move comes at a tumultuous time globally, with conflicts in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, and Hamas dominating headlines. While some are skeptical of Trump’s foreign policy plans, others see recent developments as early signs of success on the world stage.

One of Trump’s major foreign policy achievements during his first term was the Abraham Accords, which facilitated peace in the Middle East. As tensions between Israel and Hamas near a resolution after over a year of conflict, the role of Trump’s incoming Middle East special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been recognized by the Biden administration. John Kirby, a national security communications adviser, acknowledged Witkoff as a key figure in brokering a potential deal between the warring parties.

Despite these developments, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the situation. The evolving landscape of international relations underscores the importance of experienced diplomats and policymakers in navigating complex geopolitical challenges.

Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.