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Donald Trump fired all politically appointed foreign ambassadors on the day he was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States. Political ambassadors are usually major donors who are nominated by virtue of their close ties with the president. Such ambassadors, unlike chiefs of missions who are career diplomats, almost always leave at the end of his term.

Trump gave absolutely no grace period and ordered Ambassadors who are appointed by former President Barack Obama to leave their offices by midday on 20 January. US Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar, was no different and had to pack his bags before Trumph ascended the Presidency. But he did so in brazen support of the outgoing President – by wearing a Obama T-shirt as he departed from Changi Airport.