On Friday, the State Department initiated a significant restructuring by laying off 1,300 employees, eliciting frustration from former diplomats and Democratic lawmakers who argue that this move jeopardizes U.S. national security due to a diminished diplomatic presence.
During Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic trip in Asia, an employee in the Washington, D.C. area was ordered to return to the office with government equipment in anticipation of the layoffs.
An internal notice stated, “There will be no telework tomorrow on Friday, July 11, due to the expected restructuring and Reduction in Force (RIF). All employees are required to work with Department-issued equipment, including laptops, phones, diplomatic passports, and travel cards.”
Reports indicate that around 1,100 civil servants and 250 foreign service officers based in the U.S. are expected to receive RIF notifications, according to NewsNation.
The notice added, “Badges will be collected at the time of severance. Please ensure all personal items are gathered before then.”
In light of the uncertainty, the message expressed gratitude for employees’ professionalism and hard work during this challenging transition.
Foreign service members affected by the layoffs will be placed on a 120-day administrative leave before officially losing their position, while most civil servants will face a 60-day separation period.
Rubio previously outlined a major reorganization of the State Department in April, which included eliminating 132 offices and relocating 137 others within the agency.
While speaking to a reporter in Kuala Lumpur, Rubio characterized the layoffs as “a very intentional step to reorganize the State Department in a more efficient and focused manner.” He clarified that this wasn’t about driving people away but rather aligning job roles with the department’s current needs.
On Friday, he shared a photo on his X account of a meeting with staff at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, recognizing their efforts to strengthen relationships in Southeast Asia. “Their dedication helped Americans, Malaysians, and others in the region,” he remarked.
The number of cuts made on Friday was significantly lower than Rubio’s earlier proposal of an 18% reduction, which was communicated to Congress in May.
Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have voiced their concerns, stating that the layoffs could weaken America’s ability to address global challenges, particularly against rivals like China.
“With ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, now is the time to bolster diplomatic efforts, not diminish them,” they collectively stated.
A bipartisan group, including former military personnel and diplomats, has cautioned against these staffing reductions, asserting that the cuts could lead to a loss of expertise and diminished U.S. global leadership. They criticized the administration for failing to clarify its global strategy amidst staffing cuts.
The group urged Congress to hold an oversight hearing on this plan and recommended suspending the RIF until a thorough review of national security strategies is conducted.
