The Trump administration has instructed senior diplomats in Vietnam to refrain from participating in events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
According to four U.S. officials who requested anonymity, the directive includes prominent figures such as Marc Knapper, the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, who have been advised to avoid activities related to the anniversary on April 30. This encompasses a hotel reception on April 29 with senior Vietnamese officials and a parade on April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City, where the war concluded with South Vietnam’s surrender.
Veterans returning to Vietnam for public discussions on war and reconciliation have also been informed that they will not receive official support for their organized events, leading to disappointment after months of anticipation. John Terzano, a founder of the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation, expressed confusion over the decision, stating it represents a missed opportunity for reconciliation.
The origins and reasons behind the directive remain unclear, with some U.S. officials speculating that it may be tied to concerns about overshadowing the 100th day of Trump’s second term. Trump himself avoided military service during the Vietnam War due to a medical exemption.
This development is seen as a setback to decades of diplomatic efforts by both Republican and Democratic administrations aimed at healing the wounds of the war and fostering a strategic partnership to counter China. The Trump administration had previously frozen U.S.A.I.D. funding designated for addressing war legacies, leading to layoffs and uncertainty for programs related to missing soldiers and demining efforts.
The foundation of U.S.-Vietnam relations, built through the efforts of veterans from both nations, appears to be weakened as a result of this decision. Emotional and physical efforts by veterans had facilitated cooperation on issues such as unexploded ordnance and the toxic legacy of Agent Orange.
Despite these challenges, a new level of strategic partnership had been reached in 2023, but the Trump administration's approach has strained these relations. Knapper, who has actively engaged in reconciliation efforts, was expected to attend the anniversary events alongside delegations from other countries. He has previously emphasized the importance of deep engagement with Vietnam.
Plans for a new exhibit at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, aimed at showcasing the postwar bond between the two countries, are now uncertain. This project, funded by U.S.A.I.D., has been affected by the dismantling of the agency under the Trump administration.
Vietnamese officials have sought to hold the U.S. accountable for the lingering impacts of the war, with some success. Recent high-level discussions led to the restoration of funding for war legacy issues, although U.S.A.I.D. is no longer operational. The cleanup of Agent Orange contamination at the Bien Hoa air base has resumed for this year.
U.S. tariffs on Vietnam have also complicated relations, with some officials speculating that Vietnam might consider excluding U.S. diplomats from the anniversary events. However, such an exclusion did not occur, and negotiations are ongoing regarding tariff rates.
As Vietnam navigates its relationship with both the U.S. and China, the absence of U.S. diplomats from the anniversary events raises concerns about the future of U.S.-Vietnam relations. Terzano criticized the decision as “petty and nonsensical,” suggesting it reinforces global doubts about America’s commitment on the world stage.