A diplomat’s job is traditionally to represent their country’s interests while maintaining good relations with their host nation. But some of Donald Trump’s ambassadors are taking a different approach.
On Tuesday, Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned from her ambassadorship in Greece after serious allegations were raised about her conduct. According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal, the former fiancée of Donald Trump Jr. allegedly asked a Trump donor to pay off her $100,000 Amex bill — allegations she denies.
Guilfoyle is not the only ambassador to have caused a stir. US envoys around the world have sparked diplomatic rows, controversy and, in some cases, appeared to step beyond the traditional boundaries of their role.
What do Donald Trump’s ambassador picks, and their conduct, tell us about the new way that America does diplomacy?
Reuters’ senior White House correspondent, Humeyra Pamuk, breaks down how Trump’s ambassadors are breaking with tradition.
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In this episode…
0:00 What’s going on with Trump’s ambassadors?
1:07 Humeyra Pamuk explains who is Kimberly Guilfoyle
4:24 What has Guilfoyle done to get her in trouble?
8:48 Was she forced to resign?
9:17 Charles Kushner Ambassador to France and his colourful past
14:31 Advantages to this version of diplomacy
16:27 Who’s else has made waves in their host country?
19:40 Is this US version of diplomacy disrupting the norm?
20:58 Should foreign diplomats get involved in host countries’ internal affairs?
22:23 How unconventional are Trump’s diplomats?
25:48 How is this viewed around the world?