More than 1,300 U.S. State Department employees are being let go this Friday as part of a sweeping reorganization effort driven by the Trump administration — a move critics warn could undermine America’s leadership on the world stage and its ability to address global threats.
According to a senior official who requested anonymity to discuss staffing decisions before the notifications were sent, layoff notices will be issued to 1,107 civil service employees and 246 domestically assigned foreign service officers.
An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press states that the affected foreign service officers will be placed on 120 days of administrative leave before being officially dismissed. Civil servants, in contrast, will generally have a 60-day notice period before separation.
The notice explains that the reorganization is aimed at streamlining domestic operations to better align with diplomatic goals. It adds that staffing cuts are being targeted at non-essential roles, overlapping or redundant offices, and areas where consolidation can lead to greater efficiency.
