Trump’s State department begins mass layoffs to reshape U.S. diplomacy

Saturday 12 July 2025 - 11:56

In a sweeping move to reshape American diplomacy, the U.S. State Department has begun firing over 1,350 domestic employees as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to realign foreign policy with his “America First” doctrine. The decision has triggered sharp criticism from former diplomats and foreign policy experts, who warn that the cuts could weaken America's global influence at a time of increasing international tension.

The layoffs affect 1,107 civil service workers and 246 foreign service officers, all based in the United States. According to an internal memo distributed on Friday, the department is eliminating positions considered “non-core,” redundant, or administratively inefficient. Including voluntary departures, the total reduction is expected to approach 3,000 employees out of a domestic workforce of approximately 18,000.

“The Department is streamlining domestic operations to focus on diplomatic priorities,” the internal notice stated, emphasizing that the cuts were “carefully tailored” to minimize impact on essential functions.

Global challenges mount as cuts begin

The timing of the downsizing has raised alarms in Washington and abroad. The U.S. is currently facing multiple global crises, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, and the prolonged conflict in Gaza, now nearing its second year. Experts argue that these complex challenges demand experienced diplomatic hands, not a thinning of the ranks.

Critics say the mass dismissal of foreign service professionals will severely limit the State Department’s capacity to respond to geopolitical threats and defend U.S. interests worldwide. They also view the move as part of a broader pattern under Trump’s second term—centralizing power and sidelining traditional diplomatic structures in favor of political loyalty and ideological alignment.

Shaping diplomacy around 'America First'

This restructuring is widely seen as part of Trump’s broader push to redefine the role of diplomacy in a world order where alliances have shifted and strategic competition—particularly with China and Russia—has intensified. Trump officials argue that a leaner, more targeted diplomatic corps will serve U.S. interests more efficiently.

Former senior diplomats, however, warn that removing career professionals in favor of political reshaping threatens not only the institutional memory of U.S. foreign policy but also credibility with allies who rely on the consistency and professionalism of America’s diplomatic workforce.

One former ambassador described the firings as “an attack on the expertise that has long underpinned U.S. global leadership,” while another called it “a dismantling of the engine of diplomacy at a time we can least afford it.”

What's next?

A senior State Department official confirmed that Friday’s layoffs represent only the first phase of a broader restructuring. While the administration claims it aims to eliminate inefficiencies, analysts remain skeptical, especially given Trump’s history of tension with the State Department and career diplomats during his first term.

Whether the reshaped department will be more agile and aligned with Trump’s foreign policy goals—or less capable of meeting global demands—remains a question with high stakes for U.S. influence and international stability.