U.S. diplomats say they are reluctant to share inconvenient truths with the Trump administration

U.S. diplomats are afraid to provide candid advice amid growing pressure to downplay views that do not strictly adhere to Trump's partisan agenda.

Late last month, an alarming email landed in the inboxes of American diplomats stationed around the world.

"We are operating in uncharted territory," it began. "The environment facing the Foreign Service today is unlike anything we’ve seen."

The message was sent by the union that represents the State Department’s workforce, and it warned of the risks of offering candid advice or objective assessments in the second Trump era.

Diplomats posted at embassies abroad are being called back from their assignments "after providing less-than-positive analysis or unwelcome recommendations to leadership," according to the Aug. 28 email, which has not been previously reported.

"Even if offered discreetly, any statement, verbal or written, can be politicized and used against you," read the message from the American Foreign Service Association. "That is the reality we face."