US State Department Lays Off Over 1,300 Employees in Major Reorganization
The U.S. State Department has fired more than 1,300 employees, including 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers, as part of a major reorganization by the Trump administration. Critics and former diplomats argue the move will severely damage America's global influence and ability to counter international threats. The administration has defended the cuts as a necessary step to create a leaner, more efficient department, marking a significant shift in the execution of U.S. foreign policy.
Unpacked:
The layoffs primarily targeted non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and areas where consolidation could bring efficiencies. For example, three separate offices handling sanctions were consolidated into one. Over 300 bureaus and offices were affected in total, with the cuts focused on streamlining domestic operations and centralizing responsibilities.
Democratic lawmakers and many State Department staff have criticized the layoffs, arguing they could undermine diplomatic efforts and weaken U.S. influence. The American Foreign Service Association stated that the cuts appear untethered from merit or mission, and some staff have expressed concern that the process unfairly targets diplomats based on assignment rather than performance.
Foreign service officers placed on administrative leave will remain so for 120 days before formally losing their jobs. Most civil servants have a separation period of 60 days. During these periods, affected employees will no longer perform their normal duties but may retain some employment benefits until their final separation.
Officials stated the goal was to refocus the department on its core objectives, modernize operations, and improve efficiency by eliminating redundancy. They argued that the proliferation of overlapping offices hindered rapid responses to crises, and that centralizing functions like sanctions would better serve the department’s mission and the American public.