The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented shake-up of the U.S. State Department, beginning with the dismissal of over 1,350 U.S.-based employees. The move, part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reshape American diplomacy around his “America First” agenda, has sparked intense criticism from former diplomats and lawmakers.
According to official figures, 1,107 civil service employees and 246 foreign service officers are being laid off. These job cuts arrive at a time of heightened global instability, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza, and rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
In an internal memo to staff, the State Department claimed the downsizing was intended to “streamline domestic operations” and redirect focus toward key diplomatic priorities. The department stated that reductions were “carefully tailored” to eliminate non-core functions and overlapping offices.
In total, nearly 3,000 positions will be eliminated, including voluntary resignations — amounting to a significant cut from the 18,000-strong U.S.-based workforce.
Former diplomats and Democratic lawmakers argue the cuts will undermine America’s ability to respond to growing threats from global powers like China and Russia. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia condemned the move as “reckless,” warning that it makes the U.S. “less safe and less secure” during a time of global upheaval.
“This decision is absurd, especially when China is expanding its diplomatic and military footprint, Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, and the Middle East is spiraling through repeated crises,” Kaine said.
The emotional toll of the layoffs was visible at the State Department headquarters, where dozens of employees gathered for a spontaneous farewell — a “clap-out” — for their departing colleagues. Many were in tears as they packed their belongings, hugged coworkers, and exited the building while others cheered and held banners reading, “Thank you, America’s diplomats.” Senator Chris Van Hollen joined the demonstration in support.
Inside the building, special stations were set up for terminated employees to hand in government property like badges, laptops, and phones. These stations bore signs reading “Transition Day Out Processing,” and offered water and tissues to employees — some of whom were seen carrying cardboard boxes.
A five-page “separation checklist” given to the departing staff confirmed they would lose building and email access by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday. Notably, the layoffs included staff from the office overseeing the resettlement of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during its 20-year war in Afghanistan.
The reorganization follows Trump’s February directive to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to ensure the foreign service implements administration policy without deviation. Trump has vowed to “drain the deep state” and remove personnel viewed as disloyal.
This overhaul includes eliminating roles and offices focused on civilian security, democracy, human rights, and monitoring global war crimes. In April, Rubio defended the restructuring, describing the department as “bloated and bureaucratic” and promising to realign it with core U.S. interests.
Originally scheduled for completion by July 1, the reorganization faced delays due to ongoing litigation. However, the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the administration, allowing job cuts to proceed. Since then, the White House Counsel’s Office and the Office of Personnel Management have been working with agencies to ensure legal compliance during the downsizing.
Critics warn the consequences of such a drastic move will be far-reaching, both for U.S. foreign policy and its global standing.
