State Department Layoffs, Reorganization Underway

The Trump administration has initiated layoffs of more than 1,300 State Department employees, including over 1,100 civil servants and between 240 and 246 foreign service officers, as part of a reorganization plan led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The restructuring, following a Supreme Court ruling allowing large-scale federal workforce reductions, aims to eventually cut nearly 3,000 positions through layoffs and voluntary departures. Affected employees have received between 60 and 120 days’ notice, and there have been public demonstrations of support for those losing their jobs. The administration maintains that non-core, duplicative, or redundant positions will be eliminated while preserving core functions such as diplomatic security and passport services. Critics argue that the cuts could undermine U.S. diplomatic capabilities and global standing, especially during international crises. The overhaul is aligned with President Trump’s 'America First' agenda to streamline federal agencies.