House Democrats warned President Donald Trump he is endangering American diplomats by his failure to nominate an assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, The Hill reported.
All 21 Democratic members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs sent a letter to Trump pointing out that he had questioned security during the 2012 Benghazi attacks in Libya, and yet had still not filled the key post.
"Every day, all around the world, American diplomats should go to work confident that the United States government is doing everything possible to keep them safe," the letter said.
"However, over 100 days into your Administration, in the office most directly responsible for their safety — that of Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security — there sits an empty desk. And as long as that office remains empty, you are putting American diplomats at unnecessary risk."
"We urge you to work with Secretary of State (Rex) Tillerson in making this appointment as soon as possible."
Politico noted Democrats say the lack of a nominee is due to the administration's slow pace of making appointments for senior jobs and Trump's prioritizing hiring at the Defense Department over State.
"Unfortunately, I think it's indicative of the low priority that Trump and the administration are placing on diplomacy or anything to do with the State Department." Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said.
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