1,350 Axed as Trump Reshapes U.S. Diplomacy

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In a bold move to realign U.S. foreign policy with national priorities, the Trump administration has begun a major restructuring of the State Department, cutting over 1,350 positions in the diplomatic corps.

The U.S. State Department has initiated the dismissal of 1,107 civil service employees and 246 foreign service officers as part of a sweeping reorganization aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on core diplomatic goals. The move reflects former President Donald Trump’s continued effort to reform the federal bureaucracy and ensure the government operates with efficiency and accountability. 

According to an internal memo, this reduction in workforce will ultimately reach nearly 3,000, factoring in voluntary departures as well.

With global challenges mounting from Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine to tensions between Israel and Iran, the decision to overhaul the diplomatic corps is seen as a strategic pivot rather than a retreat. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, overseeing the changes, described the department as “bloated and ineffective” in addressing modern geopolitical realities. The restructuring plan shifts more authority to regional bureaus and embassies while phasing out programs that no longer align with America’s current foreign policy objectives.

While critics have voiced concern that such deep personnel cuts could weaken U.S. global influence, especially at a time when adversaries like China and Russia are expanding their international presence, administration officials maintain that the realignment will allow the U.S. to respond more effectively by removing outdated structures and consolidating decision-making.

Workforce Reduction

On Friday, staff at the State Department’s Washington headquarters gathered to show support for their departing colleagues. A spontaneous “clap-out” took place in the main lobby, where emotional goodbyes were exchanged and boxes of personal belongings were carried out by employees whose service had ended. Outside the building, supporters held signs reading “Thank You America’s Diplomats,” while inside, designated stations assisted those transitioning out by collecting badges, laptops, and department-issued devices.

Among those impacted are staff members from the office overseeing the resettlement of Afghan nationals who supported U.S. operations during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. Their dismissal highlights how the reorganization reaches into sensitive areas of U.S. foreign engagement. Posters marked “Transition Day Out Processing” and “Outprocessing Service Center” guided departing employees through the process. Small bottles of water and tissues were placed on desks, small gestures in what many described as a difficult day.

The restructuring had faced delays due to a court challenge, but the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way earlier this week for the administration to proceed. The White House Counsel’s Office and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have since coordinated with federal agencies to ensure all transitions meet legal standards.

The overhaul also follows the administration’s previous decision to absorb the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department, eliminating duplicative structures and unifying foreign aid under a single strategy.

As the process continues, the Trump administration remains committed to reshaping America’s diplomatic landscape, focusing on results, security, and sovereignty.