WASHINGTON (FN) — President Donald Trump has recalled the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, along with several other career diplomats, in a sweeping shake-up of American diplomatic posts.
The move, first reported by Politico, is part of Trump’s effort to align U.S. foreign representation with his “America First” agenda. A State Department official confirmed that the ambassadors affected were appointed during the Biden administration and will conclude their tenures in January.
The diplomats will return to Washington, where they may take on other assignments within the department, but their roles as chiefs of mission will end. Africa has been hit hardest, with envoys from 13 countries — including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Uganda — among those removed. Other regions affected include Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Western Hemisphere.
In a statement, the State Department described the changes as routine, noting that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and are expected to advance the administration’s priorities. “An ambassador is a personal representative of the president, and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda,” the statement said.
Officials emphasized that the diplomats are not being dismissed from the foreign service and can continue serving in other capacities. Still, the abrupt changes are expected to disrupt embassy operations and ongoing diplomatic initiatives in the affected countries.
The recall of the U.S. envoy to Nigeria comes at a sensitive moment in U.S.-Africa relations, drawing concern from lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association. Nigeria remains a key partner for Washington in regional security, economic cooperation and development efforts.
Some members of Congress criticized the timing, warning that the move could weaken U.S. influence in Africa at a time when China and Russia are expanding their presence. “This risks creating a vacuum in places where American leadership is most needed,” one lawmaker said.
The American Foreign Service Association cautioned that sudden recalls undermine continuity and could stall progress on long-term initiatives. “Diplomacy requires stability,” the group noted, urging the administration to ensure smooth transitions.
Analysts in Abuja described the recall as “ill-timed,” pointing to Nigeria’s role in counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and in regional economic integration. Civil society groups in Nigeria also voiced concern that development programs could be slowed.
Foreign policy experts in Washington argued that the shake-up reflects Trump’s determination to place loyal envoys who will advance his agenda, even at the cost of continuity. They warned that temporary gaps in leadership at embassies could weaken U.S. leverage in regions where rivals are expanding influence.
