State Dept. Begins Largest Workforce Overhaul in Decades

The U.S. State Department will begin issuing layoff notices as part of a major Trump administration reorganization, after the Supreme Court lifted an injunction blocking the cuts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plan seeks to cut the domestic workforce by about 15%, eliminating nearly 2,000 jobs through both involuntary layoffs and voluntary resignations, and will merge or close over 300 bureaus and offices. The restructuring is being described as the largest overhaul of the State Department in decades and is expected to primarily affect domestic staff, with few immediate changes for overseas personnel. The administration argues this will streamline the department, remove redundant functions, and focus on 'America First' priorities, but critics warn it will weaken U.S. diplomacy, especially in democracy promotion, human rights, and conflict prevention. Many career officials are concerned about morale and the agency’s ability to respond to global crises, though some are relieved the uncertainty is ending. Department leadership has thanked departing employees and emphasized a shift to 'results-driven diplomacy' after the reorganization.