WASHINGTON, D.C.: Nearly 30 U.S. career diplomats from ambassadorial and other senior embassy posts have been recalled by President Donald Trump in line with his "America First" priorities.

Last week, the chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were told they would be replaced in January, according to two State Department officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

All of them were Biden administration appointees but survived an initial purge at the onset of Trump's second term that targeted mainly political appointees. That changed last week when they began to receive notices from officials in Washington about their imminent departures.

Typically, ambassadors remain at their posts for three to four years and serve at the pleasure of the president. Those affected will not lose their foreign service jobs but will return to Washington for other assignments should they wish to take them, the officials said.

The State Department did not provide details of how many ambassadors were involved or who was affected. However, it defended the decision, saying this is a normal process for any administration. It said ambassadors represent the president personally, and the president has the right to choose people who support the America First agenda.

Africa is the most affected region, with ambassadors from 13 countries who could be flying back home. The affected countries are Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, and Uganda.

Asia is next, with changes in six countries: Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

In Europe, four countries are affected: Armenia, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovakia. Two countries are affected in each of the following regions: the Middle East (Algeria and Egypt), South and Central Asia (Nepal and Sri Lanka), and the Western Hemisphere (Guatemala and Suriname).

Politico was the first to report the ambassador recalls. The moves have raised concerns among some lawmakers and the union that represents U.S. diplomats.