First reported by FOX, the State Department has adjusted its employment and promotion standards, moving away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) considerations for foreign service personnel. Previously, one of the key lessons in the department’s employment and promotion criteria encouraged DEI. However, this lesson has now been replaced with a focus on “fidelity.”
According to a senior official at the State Department, the concept of “incredible” fidelity isn’t currently part of the promotion benchmarks. They commented that this change is “common sense” and essential, as the role of the US Foreign Secretary is to represent America internationally and should be evaluated based on loyalty and faithfulness to the country.
The White House has also promised to implement a “merit-based system” while dismantling previous constructs.
Under the previous guidelines for 2022-2025, foreign service employees were required to demonstrate their influence on DEI and accessibility. For entry-level positions, applicants had to actively work on improving their self-awareness regarding inclusion, while those at intermediate and advanced levels were tasked with building diverse teams, promptly addressing inclusive workplace behaviors, and consulting staff before making decisions.
The updated document for 2025-2028 now emphasizes fidelity as the top priority, followed by communication, leadership, management, and knowledge. Under the new rules, intermediate and senior personnel in foreign services are expected to show loyalty by “implementing US government policies with great determination” and resolving uncertainties in alignment with their chain of command.
This shift aligns with broader government initiatives aimed at reducing DEI frameworks across federal agencies and targeting individuals perceived as opposing President Trump’s agenda. Additionally, the State Department has paused the Foreign Services Officer Test, which typically runs three times a year, and plans to cut 15% of its workforce of 19,000 employees while consolidating more than 300 offices.
Though a court order has temporarily halted widespread layoffs within federal agencies, recent Supreme Court findings suggest that a national injunction imposed by a federal district court is likely beyond the authority allowed by Congress.
