Sen. Bob Menendez Robert (Bob) MenendezKasie Hunt to host lead-in show for MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' Senators ask for removal of tariffs on EU food, wine, spirits: report VOA visa decision could hobble Venezuela coverage MORE (D-N.J.) on Sunday slammed President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE for accusing Democrats of obstruction, noting a slew of ambassadorial positions for which nominees haven't been put forth.

“This Administration has routinely denigrated the responsibilities of our diplomatic and development corps and deemed them low priorities for American foreign policy. Rather than blaming others, the president should examine his record,” Menendez said in a statement.

Of 163 Senate-confirmed positions at @StateDept & @USAID the Trump Administration hasn't bothered to nominate ppl for 65 of those positions. For example,

Where is the nominee for Ambassador to South Korea?

Where is the nominee for Assistant Secretary for African Affairs?

(cont.) — Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) March 12, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

The ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Twitter listed a series of vacant ambassador posts in the Middle East and Africa, including Turkey, Egypt and Somalia.

Menendez tweeted that Trump is “the problem,” a criticism that comes after the president on Sunday said Democrats are obstructing the confirmation process.

“The Democrats continue to Obstruct the confirmation of hundreds of good and talented people who are needed to run our government...A record in U.S. history,” Trump wrote on Twitter.

“State Department, Ambassadors and many others are being slow walked. Senate must approve NOW!”

According to the American Foreign Service Association, there are 44 vacant ambassador positions open in the State Department. That number includes six countries for which the United States does not exchange a top diplomat.

Menendez on Sunday also criticized the management of the State Department, which is helmed by Secretary Rex Tillerson Rex Wayne TillersonGary Cohn: 'I haven't made up my mind' on vote for president in November Kushner says 'Alice in Wonderland' describes Trump presidency: Woodward book Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE.

“President Trump must understand American leadership can only occur if American leaders are present on the international stage,” Menendez said in his statement.

“Prioritizing diplomatic nominations only when there are sudden crises is not a strategy and not in the national security interest of the United States.”