In a context of uncertainty caused by the president-elect Donald TrumpSecretary of State’s election victory and promises to eliminate members of the “deep state” Anthony Blinken hailed his ministry’s employees as “patriots” who serve the country’s interests at home and abroad.

In a message to State Department staff obtained by Bloomberg News, Blinken wrote that he would inform his successor that the department’s “principled and dedicated service significantly improves the lives of Americans and people around the world.” .