The US State Department has reportedly questioned some career diplomats seeking senior assignments about their voting history in the past three presidential elections, raising concerns over alleged political bias in federal government hiring and promotions under President Donald Trump ’s administration.
Earlier in 2026, Rubio laid off approximately 1,100 civil service employees and 250 Foreign Service officers as part of a restructuring effort. The report has drawn criticism from lawmakers and former diplomats, who argue that professional experience, rather than political loyalty, should determine appointments to senior diplomatic roles. Sen.
Candidates who voted for Trump were eligible for mid- to upper-level Foreign Service positions, while campaign donations were also scrutinized, according to The Washington Sun . Questions about “fidelity”, the spokesperson said, concerned upholding the Constitution, following the law and implementing policies in the interests of the American people. “It is not about partisan behavior but rather about executing the President’s vision for foreign policy,” the spokesperson said. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the professional association and union representing Foreign Service officers, said it had heard accounts of senior career officials being denied positions after interviews that included politically oriented questions. The association said such questioning had no place in federal service and was exploring possible legal options. Jeanne Shaheen, the outgoing ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said lawmakers had been examining whether political affiliation was becoming a factor in federal employment. The department said the cuts followed the elimination of specific bureaus and offices, while critics argued that experienced staff were unfairly affected.
The spokesperson told The Hill on Thursday that the administration would prioritize merit over the number of years employees had served at the department.
