The U.S. State Department is witnessing a transformative shift with the influence of the Ben Franklin Fellowship (BFF), a group formed in 2024, which is placing like-minded officials into influential positions across the department.
The BFF is reshaping the State Department, potentially altering the bureaucratic landscape under President Donald Trump's administration by advocating for traditional values and American sovereignty, as the Daily Caller reports.
The Ben Franklin Fellowship is the latest addition to the evolving landscape of American politics, emphasizing principles such as national sovereignty and a strong defense. The organization's influence has notably been felt as it has succeeded in embedding its allies among the ranks of the State Department. With an exclusive membership of 67 fellows, the BFF is reshaping how the department functions by promoting its agenda.
Among these fellows is Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, illustrating the reach and impact of the BFF within the department's hierarchy. The fellowship functions on an invitation-only basis, selecting members committed to common principles, specifically American sovereignty, defense, and accountability to the government. This membership methodology forms the core of the fellowship's influence on departmental operations.
Several high-ranking officials now representing the public face of the BFF include well-known figures like John Armstrong, Matt Pierce, Stuart R. Wilson, and Vlad Lipschutz. These individuals, embraced by the fellowship before their promotions, further highlight the organization's positioning within the Trump administration's State Department.
Additionally, Thomas E. Lersten, Spencer Chretien, and Patrick Harvey are counted among the upper echelon within the fellowship’s ranks. Despite their public representation, many of the organization's members remain obscure to the general public, which adds an aura of mystery around the BFF.
The emergence and growing influence of the BFF have not come without resistance from the existing old guard within the State Department. Long-standing officials express concern over how the new approach may erode established practices from within. An anonymous official remarked that the department is “eroding itself from the inside out” due to this new dynamic.
The changes are part of broader actions being undertaken by the State Department under the guidance of President Trump, indicated by shifts in consular practices and visa reviews. Rumeysa Öztürk, for instance, faced a revoked visa in the wake of these structural shifts as officials prepared for potential travel bans.
Phillip Linderman, BFF chairman, contrasted the current leadership strategy with past practices, mentioning that previous State Department leadership favored individuals with global and inclusive values. In contrast, the BFF promotes a different ideology, aligned closely with the priorities of the current administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's appointment choices are increasingly seen as reflecting similar policy goals and philosophies. The BFF's emphasis on candidates possessing both professional qualifications and loyalty to the administration's ideals underscores this approach. This strategy has led to a significant recalibration of internal selection processes.
While critics have voiced concerns that the BFF might introduce a political bias in departmental activities, the fellowship insists on advocating for a legitimate set of values. Simon Hankinson, one of its founders, acknowledged the potential for critics to "try to paint what we’re doing...in the least flattering light," yet defended the intent and structure of the fellowship.
Hankinson candidly described the political networks within Washington, where reputation and mentorship drive opportunities, which could be viewed as favoring BFF dynamics. This positioning may bolster the organization’s influence on policy decisions and career advancements within the department.
Some external observers argue that BFF's actions may compromise the neutrality traditionally associated with diplomatic efforts. Critics point at the potential neglect of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles within BFF-affiliated personnel, sparking debate over the long-term effects on policy and international reputation.
The BFF serves as a resource for career officials who align with its vision and Secretary Rubio’s international policy agenda. While controversial, the fellowship offers a network of support for its members as they navigate the political and professional landscape of the State Department.
In conclusion, the Ben Franklin Fellowship represents a defining shift in the State Department under President Trump. As the fellowship’s influence expands, its commitment to reshaping the department in line with traditional values and national interests will continue to provoke both support and opposition among insiders and the broader public alike. The BFF’s strategies and their impact on the department's operations will remain a significant focus of attention in the years to come.
