Over 1,300 State Department Employees Let Go: Insights into the Trump Administration’s Controversial Plan

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The U.S. State Department is making major cuts. Over 1,300 employees will lose their jobs as part of a reorganization plan from the Trump administration. Critics warn these layoffs could harm America’s influence globally.

The cut affects 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers currently in domestic roles. These officers will be put on administrative leave for 120 days before officially losing their jobs. Civil servants will have a 60-day separation period.

The State Department claims these cuts are part of a plan to streamline operations and focus on key diplomatic goals. They insist the layoffs are necessary to eliminate redundancies and make the department more efficient.

President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have praised this approach. They argue it’s time for a leaner department capable of responding to today’s challenges. However, many current and former diplomats worry that losing experienced staff will weaken the U.S. position abroad.

The recent job cuts were influenced by a Supreme Court ruling that allowed layoffs to begin, even while lawsuits regarding their legality persist. The department indicated that, while the cuts are significant, the total number is less than some had feared. In past communications, they suggested a potential 18% reduction in their workforce of about 18,700 employees.

Rubio stated that the reorganization is aimed at improving efficiency rather than eliminating people. He highlighted that some cuts are from unfilled positions, not existing roles.

Critics see things differently. The American Academy of Diplomacy argues that these layoffs threaten the U.S. ability to navigate complex global issues. They mention ongoing conflicts and rising threats as reasons why keeping experienced diplomats is essential. The organization’s statement pointed out that these changes amount to “an act of vandalism” against U.S. diplomatic capacity.

In May, the State Department outlined further cuts, affecting over 300 bureaus. Notably, they plan to eliminate divisions involved in Afghan resettlement and other humanitarian projects. These decisions underscore a shift away from programs that don’t align with the current administration’s priorities.

Interestingly, the American Foreign Service Association asked the department to reconsider layoffs, arguing they jeopardize national interests. They stress that disrupting the Foreign Service poses risks that everyday Americans may feel.

As this situation unfolds, social media reactions show a mixture of support and concern about the future of American diplomacy. Many users emphasize the need for strong, knowledgeable diplomats who can respond to growing global challenges.

For updates and in-depth coverage of the U.S. State Department’s changes, you can visit AP News.

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