- US diplomats are reportedly fearful of expressing views that contradict the administration's official stance, fearing dismissal.
- A State Department union email warned staff that the current environment is "unlike anything we’ve seen," advising that any statement could be politicised.
- This climate of fear follows a series of high-profile dismissals and policy shifts within US intelligence and foreign service agencies.
- Examples include the sacking of intelligence officials for reports contradicting administration claims on Venezuela and Iran, and the removal of the Bureau of Labor Statistics head.
- The White House's focus on the State Department has also involved dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, impacting international aid efforts.
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