State Department To Begin Reorganization By Firing Over 1,300 Staff Members

The State Department is set to lay off more than 1,300 employees as part of a reorganization plan initiated by the Trump administration. On Friday (July 11), layoff notices will be sent to 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers with domestic assignments in the United States. According to a senior State Department official, foreign service officers will be placed on administrative leave for 120 days before losing their jobs, while civil servants will have a 60-day separation period.

The reorganization aims to streamline operations by focusing on diplomatic priorities and eliminating non-core functions and redundant offices. The cuts, supported by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been criticized by current and former diplomats who argue that they will weaken U.S. influence and its ability to counter threats abroad.

The restructuring follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for the layoffs, despite ongoing legal challenges. The American Academy of Diplomacy has expressed concern, stating that the layoffs will undermine the government's ability to respond to global challenges. The State Department plans to eliminate divisions overseeing America's involvement in Afghanistan and programs related to refugees, immigration, human rights, and democracy promotion.

Secretary Rubio emphasized that the reorganization is about eliminating positions rather than people, noting that some cuts will involve unfilled or soon-to-be-vacant positions. The American Foreign Service Association has urged the department to reconsider the job cuts, warning of potential risks to national interests.