They are an embarrassment most of the time.

Did the number allowed in change when previous expulsions of diplomats occurred?

Short answer: No. But you know, nobody cared.

When Obama expelled diplomats it was a big deal. At the time it was a sign of a "get tough" attitude on the part of the president. If it was a big deal then, it's a big deal now; if it's not a big deal now, it wasn't as important as billed then. You pick your opinion and then you apply it, IMO. In either case, though, it was a surprise because of all the nicey-nice talk that had been going on before and to the side.

Note that expelling diplomats, however, is disruptive to all kinds of activities, and often expelled diplomats don't easy just transfer to another consulate someplace else in the world. PNG status is sometimes (but only sometimes) shared.

A bigger deal is closing a consulate. Buried in the fall-out may--just may, mind you--be a reduction in staffing.

Trump reelection Campaign is in full swing. And once again,our Media is doing their level best to promote Trump and maintain access.