When has this been done before? Take the time to actually read the article you linked to.
I actually read the article. Have you?
Trump is "breaking with decades of precedent", meaning it hasn't been done in decades, meaning it has been done before.
In fact, recalling the ambassadors on Jan 20 is part of foreign service tradition. Just because NY Times says something, and every leftist oupost repeat it, it doesn't make it true.
Foreign Service Tradition: Political Ambassadors Have To Be Out By January 20
All political appointees, including ambassadors “serve at the pleasure of the president.” All appointees of the outgoing administration are expected to leave by the time a new president is sworn into office on January 20.
Again, what do you mean "upending people's lives"?