President Donald Trump’s administration has directed U.S. embassies worldwide to prepare for substantial staff reductions.
This directive is part of the administration’s broader “America First” agenda, which seeks to realign diplomatic activities with Trump’s foreign policy objectives.
US Embassies Staff Reductions: Executive Order and Impact
On February 12, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order. The order mandates Secretary of State Marco Rubio to restructure the foreign service.
The order, titled “ONE VOICE FOR AMERICA’S FOREIGN RELATIONS,” requires embassies to cut both American staff and locally-employed personnel by 10% each.
Senior embassy officials have been asked to provide comprehensive lists of all employees and their employment status as part of the process.
The staff reductions are expected to have a significant impact on diplomatic operations worldwide.
Consular services, USAID programs, and diplomatic security may face delays, disruptions, and challenges amid the global-scale staffing cuts.
The U.S. Embassy in Iraq, for example, will cut nearly 50% of its $6 billion annual staff due to security and operational strains.
Reactions and Concerns
The announcement has sparked debate and concern among diplomats and foreign policy experts.
Critics argue that the staff reductions could hinder the delivery of public services and weaken the U.S.’s diplomatic presence abroad.
Federal employees and their unions have raised concerns about job security and the potential negative effects on their careers.
As part of the overhaul, Trump’s administration plans to consolidate power under political appointees hand-selected by the president.
This restructuring could empower the State Department to strip benefits from members of the foreign service stationed abroad.
These benefits include security protections and annual paid travel to visit family members.
The full scope of the executive order’s implications will depend on the steps taken after its signing.
However, it could pave the way for a massive restructuring of the State Department.
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