57 former ambassadors picked by GOP presidents endorse Clinton

by Nikita Vladimirov - 09/22/16 6:03 PM ET

Fifty-seven ambassadors nominated by GOP presidents signed a letter endorsing Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president.

{mosads}The letter, which is signed by a total of 75 former U.S. ambassadors, blasted Donald Trump’s understanding of foreign affairs and key U.S. geopolitical interests.

“[Donald Trump] is entirely unqualified to serve as President and Commander-in-Chief. He is ignorant of the complex nature of the challenges facing our country, from Russia to China to ISIS to nuclear proliferation to refugees to drugs, but he has expressed no interest in being educated,” the letter said.

It added that Trump “entirely misunderstands and disrespects” the high officials in the foreign service and intelligence communities that could guide him to a right course of action on crucial questions of foreign policy.

The letter also criticized the GOP nominee for his recent remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On numerous occasions, Trump has stated that Putin has been a “better leader” for Russia than President Obama has been for the United States.

The letter called this admiration of the Russian leader shocking, referencing his “damaging actions” in the international community.

“In this election there is only one team to represent our nation and lead our career foreign policy and security professionals in a manner befitting our role as the world’s sole superpower. Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine are the candidates we support,” the letter concluded.

In a statement, Trump’s campaign said his election is the only way for world leaders to begin respecting the U.S. again.

“How terribly weak and ineffective for a bunch of career overseas bureaucrats to send a letter or cable saying they want to keep things exactly as they are now and that they’re rallying around fellow insider Hillary Clinton,” the statement said. “The world has become a more dangerous place on their watch and they need to step up and own it.”

—Updated at 7:52 p.m.

Tags Donald Trump Hillary Clinton Tim Kaine

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