Washington, D.C. – The U.S. State Department will soon begin notifying employees of job cuts as part of a major reorganization under President Donald Trump’s administration. Deputy Secretary for Management Michael Rigas confirmed the notifications would be sent out shortly, signaling the start of a sweeping effort to reshape the diplomatic corps in line with Trump’s “America First” agenda.
The restructuring is expected to result in hundreds of layoffs, including members of the foreign service. The move follows a Supreme Court decision allowing the administration to proceed with federal agency downsizing.
According to documents submitted to Congress, the Department plans to lay off nearly 1,900 out of 18,000 domestic employees, with an additional 1,575 anticipated to resign. Over 300 offices are set to be merged, streamlined, or closed entirely.
Critics, including over 130 former diplomats and officials, have raised concerns about the cuts, warning they may damage U.S. foreign policy. Many of the roles targeted include experts in regional affairs and languages.
The administration has also rolled back most diversity and inclusion (DEI) programs, claiming a return to “merit-based” employment. The restructuring includes eliminating key offices such as the Bureau for Civilian Security and the War Crimes Monitoring Unit.
Instead, a new Senate-confirmed position will oversee foreign assistance and human rights under a rebranded Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor—aligned with “traditional Western values.”
A senior official explained that the restructuring focuses on making the Department more agile and efficient by targeting overlapping or bureaucratic functions rather than individuals.
