WASHINGTON (AP) — The recent appointment of a junior foreign service officer to lead the State Department’s personnel office has drawn sharp criticism from current and former U.S. diplomats, as well as their union.
On Monday, the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), which represents U.S. diplomats, joined the American Academy of Diplomacy and several current foreign service officers in raising concerns about the appointment. The move comes at a time of increased anxiety over potential mass dismissals of career officials, as the Trump administration seeks to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
Both organizations objected to the selection of Lew Olowski, a lawyer who joined the foreign service in 2021, to temporarily head the Bureau of Global Talent Management. Traditionally, this role has been filled by a senior or retired career diplomat. Olowski’s limited experience and his past political writings — including pro-Trump and anti-immigrant commentary in conservative publications — have caused concern among many in the diplomatic community. These writings have reportedly circulated widely in internal diplomatic forums.
In a statement, AFSA said: “Placing an untenured, entry-level officer who has only served one complete overseas tour into this critical role, even in an acting capacity, not only disregards that tradition but also sends a clear message about the value this administration places on experience and professional progression.” The association added that it was “deeply concerned” by the decision.
According to State Department officials, the appointment is temporary and not intended to signal widespread layoffs. They emphasized that Olowski will serve only until a permanent Director General of the Foreign Service is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. They also noted that while Olowski’s background is unusual for the role, he is officially a career officer — although he has only four years of experience.
Despite these assurances, the American Academy of Diplomacy, composed mostly of retired diplomats, issued a strong statement opposing the move. The group labeled Olowski “unqualified” and criticized the method of his appointment.
“Avoiding Senate confirmation by establishing the officer as a ‘senior bureau official,’ a position without legal sanction, makes a mockery of the law and generations of diplomats of the Foreign and Civil Service, who have served under difficult conditions and sometimes given their lives in the service of our nation,” the academy said.
The State Department has not yet responded publicly to the criticism.
