Washington, DC -- Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, called on the Department of State Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to launch an immediate investigation into whether the State Department is applying partisan loyalty tests as part of the selection, promotion, and assignment of nonpartisan Foreign Service Officers.

The request follows reporting by the Washington Sun that some personnel decisions within the State Department are being conditioned based on voting history and past campaign contributions. The Sun also reported that some roles are open only to those who voted for President Trump, and that donations to Democratic candidates are disqualifying. If true, these practices would violate federal law and Department regulations, while jeopardizing U.S. national security.

A copy of the letter is available here. An excerpt is below.

“An administration can appoint political leadership and expect career employees to carry out its lawful policies. It cannot make a career diplomat’s voting history, campaign contributions, or perceived partisan allegiance a condition of advancement.

(. . . )

“OIG must investigate whether Department officials have questioned career personnel about their votes or donations; used that information or an individual’s affiliation with politically favored groups to influence selection decisions; manipulated position grades, vacancies, or assignments to force experienced officers out; or used the new ‘fidelity’ standard to reward personal loyalty and penalize candid professional advice. OIG must also review whether the Secretary or other senior leaders ordered or carried out politically motivated personnel actions and, if so, recommend appropriate corrective and disciplinary action.” 

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