Politics: United States Ambassadors

There has been a ton of chatter regarding new ambassadors, old ambassadors, etc.  As I watch news reports, I always have a number of questions regarding the history of ambassadors.  So, here is a blog for those of you, like me, who has no clue what they do or why they do it.

• An ambassador is a diplomatic representative that attends international meetings, banquets and parties and acts as a figurehead for their country of origin. Ambassadors are also known as diplomats, a more general term describing those that work in a foreign country while retaining citizenship in their home country.
• The title of Ambassador is considered a “rank”.  The rank of Ambassador was first given in 1893.  Thomas F. Bayard was appointed Ambassador to Great Britain on March 30. James B. Eustis was appointed Ambassador to France on April 18. Prior to this date, the highest-ranking U.S. diplomats were Ministers.
• No US President has ever served as an ambassador to another country.
• Only one person, the President, can nominated ambassadors.  One body of government approves these appointments, the Senate.
• A college degree is not needed to be an ambassador.  Former child actress Shirley Temple served as a U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia.
• Five ambassadors have been killed, on the job, by terrorists.
• The State Department refuses to release information on how many times ambassadors have claimed diplomatic immunity.  However, two ambassadors have used diplomatic immunity when charged with murder.
• Donald Trump’s transition team said no exceptions would be allowed for ambassadors requesting to extend their postings past Inauguration Day, while other presidents have made exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
• An estimated seven million visas are granted by US embassies around the world each year.
• In 2016, 1/3 of the ambassadors were women.
• From 2010-2012, wages to ambassadors ranged from $119,554 to $179,700 per year.  Their pay is allowed to exceed the established maximum based on their merit or value to their mission.  Their salary cannot exceed that of the Vice President.  In 2011, the VP salary was $230,700.  Depending on the country they are in, they could receive additional allowances up to 60% of their salaray to adjust for cost of living or the potential of danger.
• Ambassadors have beautiful homes they live in, free of charge.  They also receive subsidized healthcare insurance, life insurance and five weeks of paid vacation time each year.  They have paid airfare to and from their vacation destinations.  They are compensated for educational expenses for their family.
• Ambassadors are the personal representatives of the President of the United States abroad. They are chosen by the President with the support and guidance of the State department. Candidates are chosen either from the ranks of the U.S. Foreign Service within the State Department, or they are personally recommended. All ambassador candidates must be approved by the receiving country, then approved by Senate Foreign Relations Committee and finally, confirmed by a full Senate vote.

A current(ish) list of ambassadors (data found at: http://www.afsa.org/list-ambassadorial-appointments):