The Trump administration is reportedly now set to implement significant changes at the State Department, planning to close 132 offices and reduce personnel by 15%.
This initiative aims to streamline operations and cut down on what Secretary of State Marco Rubio describes as a “bloated, bureaucratic” structure that has compromised effective diplomacy.
The closures will primarily impact offices focused on democracy promotion, countering extremism, and human rights protection, reducing the total number of State Department offices from 734 to 602.
Rubio announced that under President Trump’s leadership, these reforms are intended to prioritize American interests and enhance the efficiency of diplomatic efforts.
In a statement, Rubio criticized the department’s previous expansion over the last 15 years, arguing that taxpayers have not seen a return on investment despite soaring costs.
He emphasized that the existing bureaucracy has become more aligned with radical political ideologies than with advancing core national interests.
In response to reports suggesting that embassies and consulates across Africa would be closed, Rubio labeled such claims as “fake news.”
However, internal documents indicate that the restructuring will eliminate various foreign policy offices deemed unnecessary by the administration, potentially affecting around 700 civil service and foreign service positions.
The overhaul also aims to consolidate region-specific functions to improve functionality, remove redundant offices, and discontinue programs that do not align with U.S. interests.
This restructuring is part of a broader initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency, which has targeted several government agencies for cuts, including the Departments of Energy, Education, and Defense.
These sweeping changes reflect an effort to reshape the State Department to better meet the demands of modern diplomatic challenges.
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