The Trump administration is moving to significantly downsize the U.S. State Department, proposing to eliminate 132 out of 734 offices and bureaus in a sweeping reorganization aimed at aligning diplomatic functions with President Donald Trump’s "America First" policy. The plan, detailed in an internal memo obtained by Reuters, tasks undersecretaries with cutting staff by 15%, potentially resulting in 700 additional job eliminations.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau noted an internal group will finalize reorganization plans by July 1. The overhaul, shaped by Trump and adviser Elon Musk, is part of a broader effort to shrink federal bureaucracy, which has already led to widespread job cuts across agencies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the State Department has become "bloated" and inefficient, lacking the agility needed for modern diplomacy. He targeted the Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights for promoting initiatives he claims diverged from U.S. national interests, accusing it of ideological bias and misuse of taxpayer funds.
While some functions will be merged into other departments, critical offices such as the Office of Global Criminal Justice are notably absent from the new structure. The administration also closed the bureau countering foreign disinformation and plans to shut down multiple consulates.
Critics argue the reorganization weakens America’s global influence, especially in promoting democracy and human rights. Rep. Greg Meeks condemned the changes, saying they erode U.S. soft power following the dismantling of USAID.
Though the plan targets Washington headquarters, international missions may also face restructuring. The State Department emphasized that these changes are still under review and may evolve.
This strategic shift could redefine U.S. diplomacy, reducing roles seen as inconsistent with Trump’s foreign policy vision.