With the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, American foreign policy has taken a dramatic shift, leaving even its own diplomats uncertain about their next steps. Many are now struggling to continue promoting traditional U.S. stances on human rights, democracy, and freedom of speech in international relations.
A year and a half ago, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, made a strong statement to the Sri Lankan government, asserting that freedom of assembly is a fundamental pillar of democracy. This came at a time when the Sri Lankan government was actively suppressing anti-government protests.
However, in a turn of events, last week President Donald Trump ordered the deportation of individuals who had gathered in New York to show solidarity with Palestinians.
These measures include the cancellation of $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University and the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a key figure in the 2024 Gaza war protests at the university. Khalil, a U.S. green card holder with a pregnant wife, now faces deportation under the Trump administration’s crackdown on non-citizen activists.
Nearly 100 protesters were arrested on Thursday after demonstrating in front of Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, condemning Khalil’s arrest.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Julie Chung, known for her vocal stance on Sri Lankan political affairs, now faces criticism for the stark contrast between the policies she once advocated and the actions of her own government. Her previously outspoken approach has now been met with silence, as she grapples with the realities of Trump’s foreign policy.
Henry Kissinger, one of America’s most influential diplomats, once remarked, “It is dangerous to be an enemy of the United States, but deadly to be a friend.” Today, that statement appears more relevant than ever, particularly for U.S. diplomats navigating the contradictions of their own administration.
