The Donald Trump-led US State Department is all set for significant layoffs, with over 1,300 foreign service officers expected to be laid off as part of a reorganization plan proposed by the Trump government. As many as 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States will soon be given a layoff notice.
The foreign service officers who are facing the layoff ordeal will be placed on 120-day administrative leave before their employment is terminated, while civil servants will only have a 60-day notice period. “Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and areas where efficiencies can be found,” an internal memo explained. Supporting the layoff plan, President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that it will make the department more efficient and aligned with the administration’s priorities.
However, critics warn that these deep cuts could severely impact the US’ diplomatic ties, especially in addressing emerging global challenges. Areas facing elimination include refugee resettlement, democracy promotion, human rights, and immigration.
These programs are considered by the Donald Trump government to be ideologically incompatible with its policy direction. The restructuring also signifies cuts to programs that involve the US’s 20-year role in Afghanistan, including efforts to resettle Afghan allies.
While the layoff plan faces legal challenges, a recent Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for the layoffs to proceed. In May, the State Department informed Congress that the domestic staff reduction would exceed initial estimates, reaching an 18% cut, surpassing the originally proposed 15%.
The reorganization also seeks to merge roles within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department, reflecting long-standing efforts to consolidate government functions under the Trump government’s broader efficiency agenda.
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