State Department Plans Major Cuts: 2,000 Jobs and 132 Foreign Offices
Secretary Rubio announces restructuring as part of 'America First' approach
The State Department has announced plans for a significant restructuring that will eliminate approximately 2,000 staff positions and close 132 bureaus abroad. The reorganization, described as an 'America First' overhaul, will reduce the department's international outposts from 734 to 602, while another 137 offices will be relocated or phased out. Affected employees will receive reduction-in-force notices by July 1, with officials exploring retirement incentives such as buyout offers.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the changes as necessary to address bureaucratic inefficiencies and realign the department with core national interests. In a Substack post, Rubio stated the reorganization aims to confront the 'underlying bureaucratic culture' that he claims prevents effective foreign policy implementation. The restructuring follows internal memos that proposed significant budget cuts, including reductions to United Nations and NATO funding, though State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that the announced plans represent a roadmap rather than immediate terminations.
KEY POINTS
- •2,000 State Dept staff to lose jobs
- •132 foreign bureaus to be closed
- •Rubio cites 'America First' priorities
The reorganization has received mixed reactions from lawmakers along party lines. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-Fla.) praised the move, stating it would make the State Department 'leaner and meaner' and ensure resources are aligned with America First priorities. In contrast, Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the top Democrat on the foreign affairs panel, criticized the lack of congressional consultation and called for Secretary Rubio to testify about the plans.
The restructuring appears connected to broader government efficiency initiatives under the Trump administration, with the announcement noting involvement from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. The changes represent a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic infrastructure and staffing levels, with potential implications for American foreign policy implementation and international engagement. The plan specifically targets what Rubio described as programs misaligned with America's core national interests and offices with overlapping mandates.