Trump issues 'One Voice' order for US diplomats

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order titled 'One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations,' which mandates that all federal employees involved in foreign affairs strictly adhere to the President's foreign policy agenda. The order emphasizes the need for a unified diplomatic voice and outlines consequences for officials who fail to comply, including potential job termination. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is tasked with reforming the Foreign Service to ensure that all policies align with Trump's directives and to update recruitment, evaluation, and retention standards. This measure comes alongside Trump's broader government reform efforts, which include a freeze on foreign aid and significant cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Critics of the order have noted its unusual emphasis on enforcing loyalty within a traditionally non-partisan diplomatic corps, raising concerns about the implications for U.S. foreign relations. The administration's efforts are framed as part of Trump's 'America First' initiative, aimed at prioritizing national interests in foreign policy decisions.