State Department Responds to Closure of Office for Deceased Employees
The State Department has denied a report regarding the closure of an office dedicated to assisting families of employees who have died while working overseas. A spokesperson mentioned that this office was shut down, contradicting previous claims by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
According to reports, the Victims Assistance Agency (OCA) has been closed, which traditionally provided support for these families. However, a State Department official clarified that the office’s functions would still be managed under the Global Talent Management Office (GTM). They expressed that the term “closure” was a misunderstanding, assuring that operations would continue as usual.
“This claim is clearly wrong,” the senior official stated, emphasizing that the State Department is equipped to handle evacuations and dignified relocations in the event of an employee’s death abroad. The GTM now has about 1,000 staff members ready to offer vital resources.
Some reports have indicated that this development is part of a broader reorganization under President Trump’s administration. While this may raise concerns about the impact on support services, the official reassured that the essential functions are being maintained despite the restructuring.
Edith Bartley, who represents families affected by the al-Qaeda attacks on U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, expressed skepticism regarding the intent of current leadership. “It’s crucial to know that your government is committed to caring for its people,” she opined, highlighting the importance of this support.
A request for comments from Reuters went unanswered.
On July 10, the State Department notified staff about job cuts, closing 132 offices and laying off approximately 3,000 employees to streamline operations in line with administrative priorities. Reports suggest the layoffs began the following day.
This marks a significant shift, as the State Department had historically maintained programs providing ongoing support for diplomats rather than simply eliminating them.
