Trump Recalls U.S. Ambassador to Armenia in Global Diplomatic Shake-Up

The United States ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, has reportedly been recalled from her post as part of a wider shake-up of American diplomatic leadership ordered by President Donald Trump. According to reports, she is among dozens of senior U.S. diplomats whose terms are being cut short as the new administration moves to reshape foreign policy leadership around the world.

The Associated Press reported on Monday, citing two unnamed U.S. State Department officials, that chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were informed last week that their service would end in January. These ambassadors and senior diplomats are expected to be replaced by individuals considered fully supportive of President Trump and his political agenda. In total, about three dozen diplomats are said to be affected by the decision.

The U.S. State Department did not confirm how many ambassadors are being recalled or which countries are involved. However, it defended the move, describing it as “a standard process in any administration.” According to the Associated Press, the department stressed that an ambassador is “a personal representative of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals in these countries who advance the America First agenda.”

Kristina Kvien assumed her role as head of the U.S. mission in Yerevan in February 2023. Like many of the diplomats now being recalled, she was appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden. A typical U.S. ambassadorial assignment lasts between three and four years, meaning her tenure would normally have continued well beyond early 2025.

During Kvien’s time in Armenia, relations between Washington and the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian were close. The Biden administration openly supported Pashinyan, frequently praising his government for what it described as democratic reforms and a pro-Western foreign policy direction. This support, however, was sharply criticized by Armenia’s political opposition.

Opposition figures accused the Biden administration and Western governments of ignoring undemocratic practices inside Armenia for geopolitical reasons. These concerns became more visible in the spring of 2024, during a wave of protests linked to border issues with Azerbaijan.

Kristina Kvien’s reported recall comes at a time of political uncertainty both in the United States and Armenia. If confirmed, her departure would be another shift in U.S. policy toward Armenia, reflecting broader changes under President Trump as he seeks to align American diplomatic posts with his administration’s priorities.

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