7 hours ago
Last Updated:July 11, 2025, 17:39 IST
The US State Department will lay off over 1,300 diplomats and civil servants to streamline operations, but critics say it may weaken US diplomatic capabilities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (File pic/Reuters)
The US State Department will lay off more than 1,300 career diplomats and civil servants on Friday as part of a broad reorganization plan initiated by the Trump administration earlier this year.
News agency AP, citing a senior department official, reported 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers currently assigned to domestic posts will receive layoff notices. The move is part of a broader effort to restructure and streamline the department’s operations.
Foreign service officers affected by the layoffs will be placed on 120 days of administrative leave before being formally dismissed, reported AP. Civil servants will go through a 60-day separation process, according to an internal notice obtained by The AP.
“In connection with the departmental reorganization … the department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities," the notice read.
“Headcount reductions have been carefully tailored to affect non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices, and offices where considerable efficiencies may be found from centralization or consolidation of functions and responsibilities," the notice further mentioned.
The move has been praised by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other Republican leaders as a long-overdue effort to make the State Department more efficient and responsive. They argue the reductions will make the department more active and more efficient
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from both current and former diplomats, who warn that the downsizing will undermine US diplomatic capabilities and weaken the country’s ability to address emerging challenges.
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18...
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New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world US State Department To Lay Off Over 1,300 Employees, Here's Why
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