US State Department Plans 15% Workforce Layoffs Amid Major Restructuring

The U.S. State Department is set to begin layoffs as part of the largest reorganization of the diplomatic service in decades, aligning with President Donald Trump's 'America First' agenda. Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael Rigas confirmed that notifications to affected employees will be issued soon, with an expected reduction of about 15-18% of the domestic workforce, totaling roughly 1,800 jobs. This restructuring involves closing or merging numerous U.S.-based offices, eliminating duplicative functions, and streamlining management to enhance regional bureaus and political appointee influence. The layoffs will focus on domestic staff, with no current plans for cuts to overseas personnel. The move follows a Supreme Court decision clearing the way for broad federal workforce reductions and is part of Trump's broader goal to downsize the federal bureaucracy and remove officials deemed disloyal. Critics warn that these cuts could weaken the State Department's global influence and ability to execute its diplomatic missions effectively.