Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren vowed not to appoint wealthy donors to ambassadorships if she becomes president.
Warren took aim at President Trump in the policy rollout, saying he had understaffed the State Department and offered diplomatic positions to “unqualified campaign donors and other Trump cronies.”
“That’s why I’m pledging to put America’s national interests ahead of campaign donations and end the corrupt practice of selling cushy diplomatic posts to wealthy donors — and I call on everyone running for President to do the same,” the senator from Massachusetts said.
President Barack Obama also promised to hire officials based on their qualifications instead of their political connections. Obama signed an executive order when he took office requiring “government hiring be based upon qualifications, competence and experience, not political connections.”
Still, an analysis by the Center for Public Integrity found Obama named 31 campaign bundlers as ambassadors to highly coveted ambassadorships during his second term. Another 39 who gave money to his campaign or were political allies were also nominated to the positions.
Trump has continued the long-standing practice of appointing supporters to ambassadorships.
