The State Department.
The US State Department’s third-ranking official and most senior career diplomat, Tom Shannon, announced his departure on February 1. While the 60-year old Shannon said he was stepping down for personal reasons, he is only the latest in a stream of senior career diplomats who have left since Donald Trump became president a year ago and appointed Rex Tillerson as secretary of state with a mandate to downsize the department.
Minimising the benefits of diplomacy in favour of military action could exacerbate foreign policy crises and conflicts.
White House heel-dragging on filling posts both 'streamlines' State and avoids congressional confirmation scrutiny of political nominees.
Concerned that State wields little influence with the White House, Congress will be more assertive in the foreign policy process.
Other powers -- particularly US allies -- will seek and have increased direct influence on the White House, cutting out State.
