State Department Begins Layoffs of 1,353 Employees in Sweeping Reorganization

Washington – The U.S. State Department has initiated the layoff of 1,353 employees, comprising 1,107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers, as part of a significant reorganization plan under the Trump administration. This move, reported by The Wall Street Journal, aims to streamline operations by reducing bureaucracy and modernizing the agency's structure. The involuntary staff reductions follow months of anticipation and a recent Supreme Court decision that cleared the path for the administration's broader workforce cuts across federal agencies.Trump administration officials assert these cuts are vital to remove redundant offices and refocus the department on its core diplomatic responsibilities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the changes are designed to "streamline this bloated bureaucracy" and enhance efficiency. The reorganization is also intended to align U.S. foreign policy with the administration's "America First" agenda.The layoffs have drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and diplomatic organizations, who argue the measures will weaken U.S. influence and national security. Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, described the plan as a "willy-nilly effort to just sack a whole lot of people." The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) stated the layoffs are "untethered from merit or mission" and signal that "the United States is pulling back from the world stage."Many of the affected positions are within offices focused on human rights, refugee resettlement, and foreign assistance, including the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. Critics highlight concerns that these reductions could undermine critical U.S. efforts in these areas. For instance, the elimination of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) leadership team has been noted by groups like AfghanEvac.The total workforce reduction is expected to reach nearly 3,000 employees, including those who opted for voluntary departure offers. Affected foreign service officers will be separated in 120 days, while civil service officers will depart in 60 days. The administration maintains that the reorganization focuses on eliminating positions and functions rather than targeting individuals, aiming for a more efficient and focused diplomatic corps.