Trump administration is putting Americans abroad at risk, says US diplomat on quitting State department

'I feel like this administration looks at foreign policy... like day trading'

Elizabeth Shackelford says American diplomats fear their hard work could be 'undone unexpectedly' by the Donald Trump's prolific use of Twitter (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Donald Trump's administration is putting the lives of American citizens abroad at risk, a diplomat who resigned last week has said.

The State Department has been sidelined by the administration, which does not "realise the role we play," Elizabeth Shackelford told CNN.

Ms Shackelford, who served in South Sudan, Kenya and Poland, said the department is crucial in helping to protect the lives of Americans abroad.

She said the US government's ability to "avert disasters, whether political or assisting American citizens," is "definitely going to be impacted" as experienced foreign service officers left the department.

In her resignation letter, which was published by Foreign Policy magazine, she accused the administration and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson of undermining the State Department.

“I have deep respect for the career Foreign and Civil Service staff who, despite the stinging disrespect this Administration has shown our profession, continue the struggle to keep our foreign policy on the positive trajectory necessary to avert global disaster in increasingly dangerous times,” she wrote.

“With each passing day, however, this task grows more futile, driving the Department’s experienced and talented staff away in ever greater numbers."

In her interview with CNN, she said Mr Trump was unable to see the bigger picture of diplomacy: "Right now, I feel like this administration looks at foreign policy, and many things, like day trading."

She said American diplomats fear their hard work could be "undone unexpectedly" by the US President's prolific use of Twitter.