In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has permitted U.S. diplomats to attend events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, with the U.S. Consul General making an appearance amid criticism of previous attendance restrictions.
U.S. Diplomats to Attend Vietnam War Anniversary After Policy Shift
U.S. Diplomats to Attend Vietnam War Anniversary After Policy Shift
The Trump administration has lifted a ban on senior diplomats attending the 50th anniversary events of the Vietnam War, allowing the U.S. Consul General to participate.
April 29, 2025, 11:36 a.m. ET
In a surprise move today, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions preventing senior American diplomats from attending commemorative events for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. This decision has been welcomed by Vietnam veterans and advocates who previously expressed disappointment over the administration's stance.
On Tuesday evening, U.S. Consul General Susan Burns made her way to a reception in Ho Chi Minh City, where she mingled with fellow diplomats and Vietnamese officials. This marks a notable shift, as the administration previously indicated that no high-ranking American representatives would partake in the anniversary events. Witnesses confirmed Ms. Burns' attendance and shared photos of her at the ceremony.
However, U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, son of a Vietnam veteran, did not attend the reception and is also expected to miss the main event scheduled for Wednesday, which will feature a parade and speeches marking the actual anniversary of South Vietnam’s capitulation on April 30, 1975. Critics who welcomed the Consul General's participation have called for further involvement, arguing that the Trump administration has not sufficiently recognized the significance of reconciliation with Vietnam, now an essential ally against China’s regional influence.
John Terzano, a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, echoed these sentiments, stating that the administration seems to lack a deep understanding of the historical complexities involved. Terzano has maintained ties to Vietnam since 1981 and emphasized the ongoing importance of diplomatic relations in the wake of past conflicts.
In a surprise move today, the Trump administration has lifted restrictions preventing senior American diplomats from attending commemorative events for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. This decision has been welcomed by Vietnam veterans and advocates who previously expressed disappointment over the administration's stance.
On Tuesday evening, U.S. Consul General Susan Burns made her way to a reception in Ho Chi Minh City, where she mingled with fellow diplomats and Vietnamese officials. This marks a notable shift, as the administration previously indicated that no high-ranking American representatives would partake in the anniversary events. Witnesses confirmed Ms. Burns' attendance and shared photos of her at the ceremony.
However, U.S. Ambassador Marc E. Knapper, son of a Vietnam veteran, did not attend the reception and is also expected to miss the main event scheduled for Wednesday, which will feature a parade and speeches marking the actual anniversary of South Vietnam’s capitulation on April 30, 1975. Critics who welcomed the Consul General's participation have called for further involvement, arguing that the Trump administration has not sufficiently recognized the significance of reconciliation with Vietnam, now an essential ally against China’s regional influence.
John Terzano, a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, echoed these sentiments, stating that the administration seems to lack a deep understanding of the historical complexities involved. Terzano has maintained ties to Vietnam since 1981 and emphasized the ongoing importance of diplomatic relations in the wake of past conflicts.
