Washington fires 1,350 State Department employees in overhaul
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Washington began dismissing more than 1,350 U.S.-based State Department employees on Friday as the Trump administration moves ahead with a large-scale overhaul of the diplomatic corps. According to an internal notice, the cuts target non-core functions, duplicative or redundant offices and areas where efficiencies can be found. The move affects 1,107 civil service staff and 246 foreign service officers, contributing to an overall projected reduction of nearly 3,000 positions from a domestic workforce of about 18,000, including voluntary departures. Critics, including former diplomats and Senator Tim Kaine, warn the reductions could undermine U.S. diplomacy amid ongoing crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.
More context
Timeline
- Friday State Department begins large-scale firings
- Friday Internal notice outlines streamlining rationale
- Friday 1,107 civil service staff dismissed
- Friday 246 U.S.-based foreign service officers dismissed
- Friday Total domestic workforce cut nears 3,000
- Friday Staff hold impromptu clap-out farewell
- Friday Offices process badge and equipment returns
Why it matters
This shakeup could affect U.S. diplomacy, impacting our nation's relationships with other countries. If you're a State Department employee, your job could be at risk. If you're a taxpayer, these cuts could mean savings or potential costs down the line.
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