The State Department has informed its employees about significant layoffs as part of a reorganization initiative aimed at creating a more efficient division.
In an internal email on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Michael Rigas, mentioned that notifications regarding layoffs would be sent out “quickly” and expressed gratitude for the contributions of those affected.
Rigas noted that “when notifications are made, the department will enter the final stage of the reorganization and shift its focus towards results-driven diplomacy.” This message has reportedly been echoed across various platforms.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the plan to restructure the department in April, submitting it to Congress later on. He emphasized that the aim is to mold a division that better promotes U.S. interests and ensures the safety of Americans globally.
This restructuring could result in hundreds of job losses, though the State Department has not yet specified the timing of the initial layoff notifications, which may be distributed as soon as Friday.
When asked for comments, the State Department directed inquiries to a press conference that was held on Thursday.
State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce informed reporters that this change is not merely about the individuals currently seen in the department but will take place soon.
Rigas’ email was sent shortly after the Supreme Court lifted a district court injunction that had previously barred the Trump administration from carrying out major layoffs. The exact number of job losses remains uncertain; however, the department suggested in May that it might cut nearly 2,000 positions as part of its organizational proposals to Congress.
Rubio commented during a press conference in Malaysia after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, clarifying that the layoffs aim to facilitate reorganization rather than forcibly removing staff. He stated that if a bureau is closed, related positions become unnecessary, clarifying that some roles may have been left unfilled due to early retirements.
