Trump recalls US ambassador to Nigeria as part of a wider diplomatic reset aimed at enforcing America First priorities abroad

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the recall of the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, as part of a sweeping diplomatic shake up aimed at aligning overseas representation with the administration’s America First priorities.

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The decision affects several countries and was confirmed in Washington on Monday.

According to Politico, the recall forms part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape diplomatic leadership abroad.

A United States State Department official confirmed that the ambassadors affected by the move were career diplomats appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden and will conclude their tenures in January.

The State Department official said the diplomats would return to Washington for reassignment if they wished, stressing that the recall did not amount to termination from the foreign service.

However, their roles as chiefs of mission in host countries would formally end.

Africa emerged as the region most impacted by the decision, with ambassadors recalled from 13 countries, including Nigeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Uganda.

Other affected regions include the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Western Hemisphere.

In a statement, the State Department described the action as a routine administrative process, noting that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president.

The department said diplomatic representatives are expected to actively advance the sitting administration’s policy objectives.

The statement added that an ambassador is a direct representative of the president and that it is within presidential authority to ensure diplomatic missions reflect the America First agenda.

Officials also emphasised that the affected diplomats remain valued members of the United States Foreign Service.

The recall of the US ambassador to Nigeria is expected to prompt operational adjustments at the embassy in Abuja and may temporarily affect diplomatic initiatives.

The development has drawn concern from some United States lawmakers and the American Foreign Service Association, which represents career diplomats.

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For Nigeria, the change marks a notable moment in bilateral relations, as the country remains a key United States partner on regional security, economic cooperation, and development efforts across West Africa.