State Department Layoffs: Reorganization Creates 'Higher Quality' Workforce | JQJO

The State Department's recent layoff of over 1,350 employees, described as the most complex federal RIF ever, is defended by Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas as creating a "higher quality" workforce aligned with the Trump administration's foreign policy. The layoffs followed a reorganization that consolidated and eliminated offices deemed irrelevant or misaligned with policy priorities. While Rigas claims a merit-based selection process and no targeting of specific employees, unions expressed concerns over limited input and narrowly defined competitive areas. Democrats voiced alarm over the impact on national security, citing a "brain drain", while Republicans praised the overhaul as creating a more efficient and accountable department.