Bad news for the State Department this morning as the diplomatic agency is losing one of its finest. The Associated Press reports that Tom Shannon, a top diplomat, is resigning from his post.
This is highly unfortunate news. Shannon was the definition of a career diplomat, embodying the kind of professionalism that makes diplomacy possible in an unpredictable and untrustworthy world.
From the report:
The State Department’s third-ranking official, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, informed agency staffers that he will retire as soon as a successor for his Senate-confirmed post is chosen and ready to assume the job. Shannon is a near 35-year veteran of the U.S. Foreign Service and was the most senior department official to remain in his job after the transition from the Obama to the Trump administrations. He served under six presidents of both political parties since 1984 and was widely seen as a symbol of diplomatic continuity and professionalism during the tumultuous transition last year.
I decided it was an important moment to take a step back and to determine what next I can do in my life. Aside from helping the Obama administration to the finish line, I knew my job was also about helping this institution navigate the political transition, get across the river. And, once across that river, help this institution — the foreign service and civil service — be responsive to our elected leadership. I’ve served well across 35 years. I’ve fought the good fight. I’ve lived by my oath and I want to go out living by my oath, which is respect for the Constitution, respecting our political institutions, respecting our values and respecting the choices that the American people have made.
Those are wise words from a man who has served his country for the majority of his professional life.
Let’s hope President Trump will nominate another person just as dedicated to public service to fill Shannon’s shoes.
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