U.S. State Department Cuts More Than 1,300 Jobs in Reorganization
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In a significant move, the U.S. State Department is laying off over 1,300 employees as part of a reorganization plan initiated by the Trump administration. This decision, which includes 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers in the U.S., has sparked a variety of reactions from different angles.
The State Department has announced that affected foreign service officers will be placed on administrative leave for 120 days before their positions are officially eliminated. For many civil servants, the separation period is set at 60 days.
The internal notice explains that these layoffs are part of a strategy to streamline operations and refocus on diplomatic priorities. The goal is to cut unnecessary positions, eliminating redundancies and improving efficiency within the department.
Supporters of the cuts, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, argue that these layoffs are essential. They see them as a necessary step to create a more efficient State Department, capable of handling contemporary diplomatic challenges. Rubio defended the decision by emphasizing that the reorganization does not aim to terminate staff indiscriminately but to eliminate positions that are no longer needed.
Despite the administration’s intention to create a more agile department, many current and former diplomats worry these layoffs will harm U.S. influence abroad. Critics from organizations like the American Academy of Diplomacy argue that losing experienced staff will hinder the government’s ability to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
The Trump administration’s broader strategy aims to reshape diplomacy and reduce the size of the federal workforce. This includes cuts to agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which was recently absorbed into the State Department as part of budget reductions.
Even with these large-scale layoffs, the cuts are less extensive than initially anticipated. The State Department indicated earlier this year that it aimed for an 18% workforce reduction among U.S.-based staff. Rubio described the reorganization as a deliberate effort to make the department more efficient and focused.
As these changes unfold, the State Department continues to face scrutiny from various sides. The implications of these cuts raise concerns about the future of U.S. diplomacy in a world filled with challenges. The adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to balance accountability and effectiveness within the government apparatus.
