The US State Department is starting to fire more than 1,350 employees as part of Trump’s overhaul of the diplomatic corps
Trump’s extensive reform of the diplomatic corps includes the US State Department starting to lay off more than 1,350 workers.
As part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s unprecedented reform of the diplomatic corps, the State Department started firing more than 1,350 staff members on Friday. Critics say this could make it more difficult for the US to protect and advance its interests overseas.
A total of 246 foreign service officers and 1,107 civil service employees nationwide were laid off. They occur at a time when Washington is dealing with a number of international problems, such as the battle in Gaza that has lasted for almost two years, the war in Ukraine that Russia is waging, and the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel that have caused instability in the Middle East.
Staff members received an internal notification that stated, “The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities.” “Reductions in headcount have been carefully crafted to impact non-core capabilities, redundant or duplicative offices, and offices where significant efficiencies may be discovered.”
According to a senior official and the notification, the overall decrease, including voluntary departures, will come close to 3,000 of the 18,000 people who are now employed in the United States.
The action is the first step in a larger restructuring plan that aims to bring foreign policy into line with Trump’s “America First” position. Critics and ex-diplomats caution that eliminating important foreign service posts could weaken the nation’s capacity to handle escalating threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia stated, “President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure.” “This is among the most absurd decisions that could possibly be made at a time when Russia is continuing its years-long attack on a sovereign nation, China is extending its diplomatic reach and establishing military and transport bases abroad, and the Middle East is devolving into an even more dire situation.”
In order to facilitate the return of government property, including phones, computers, and ID badges, temporary processing centers were established inside the State Department’s headquarters in Washington, DC. One counter was marked “Outprocessing Service Center,” and there were posters that stated “Transition Day Out Processing” and a box of Kleenex and drink bottles next to it. There were also cardboard cartons in some of the rooms.
Before they were denied entrance to the facility and their email accounts at 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, fired staff were given a five-page separation checklist that outlined the necessary actions to do.
