Washington, United States (Agencies) – 14 July 2025: The U.S. State Department has laid off approximately 1,350 employees in one of the largest workforce reductions in its history, part of a sweeping reorganization plan initiated by the Trump administration. Officials say the move is aimed at streamlining operations and eliminating redundancy, but critics warn it could severely weaken America’s diplomatic capabilities at a time of global instability.
The layoffs include 1,107 civil service employees and 246 foreign service officers assigned to domestic posts. When combined with voluntary departures and early retirements, the total reduction is expected to reach nearly 3,000 personnel—roughly 15% of the department’s U.S.-based workforce.
Affected employees began receiving official notices Friday morning. Stations were set up at the department’s Washington headquarters for badge and equipment return, while human resources teams assisted staff with the checkout process. Civil servants will remain on paid administrative leave for 60 days, and foreign service officers for 120 days, before formal separation.
The cuts targeted offices deemed non-essential or duplicative, including the Bureaus of Cyberspace and Policy, Education and Cultural Affairs, Energy Resources, and Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. The Office of Countering Violent Extremism, which focused on combating antisemitism and white supremacy, was also eliminated.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who unveiled the reorganization plan in April, said the changes are necessary to “refocus” the department on core diplomatic priorities. The Supreme Court cleared the way for the layoffs earlier this week, lifting a previous injunction that had delayed implementation.
However, the move has sparked backlash from lawmakers, diplomats, and advocacy groups. Former CIA Director William Burns called the timing “deeply troubling,” warning that a weakened foreign service could undermine U.S. influence abroad. The American Foreign Service Association estimated that the department has already lost 20% of its foreign service workforce this year.
Some employees received layoff notices in error, adding confusion to an already tense process. Others expressed frustration at being dismissed despite years of service and specialized expertise. One laid-off civil servant described the process as “abrupt, unreasonable, capricious and unlawful.”
The department now turns its attention to implementing the next phase of the reorganization, which includes consolidating more than 300 offices, redefining job roles, and streamlining reporting structures. Officials say no further layoffs are planned, but they will continue to assess the department’s international footprint.
As the dust settles, many observers fear the long-term impact of the cuts on U.S. diplomacy. For those departing, the concern is not just about lost jobs—but about the erosion of America’s ability to lead on the global stage.