The U.S. State Department is undergoing a significant reorganization, resulting in the layoff of over 1,350 employees, including diplomats and civil service staff. This decision, driven by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration, aims to reduce what they describe as bureaucratic bloat within the department.
Approximately 15% of the workforce will be affected, which has raised concerns among diplomats and advocacy groups regarding national security, especially in light of global instability. Critics, including Democratic senators, argue that this move is ill-timed and detrimental to U.S. diplomatic efforts.
The layoffs have sparked widespread discontent, with many viewing it as a catastrophic blow to American interests abroad. The administration defends its actions by claiming that previous administrations prioritized human rights and disaster relief over national interests.
Following a Supreme Court ruling, the State Department has begun rolling out these termination orders, despite facing internal chaos and system issues during the process. The restructuring is expected to continue, with plans to reduce the overall workforce by approximately 3,000 from its current total of 18,000 employees.
Concerns have emerged from retired diplomats who warn that such cuts could severely undermine the diplomatic leadership role that the U.S. has historically maintained on the global stage.
