US State Department to Lay off Over 1,350 Employees

The United States Department of State is set to begin laying off more than 1,350 employees starting Friday, as part of a sweeping reform plan under President Donald Trump’s administration aimed at reshaping the American diplomatic corps.

The unprecedented move has drawn strong criticism from former diplomats and analysts who warn it could significantly weaken US foreign policy efforts.

According to an internal memo distributed to staff, the layoffs will affect 1,107 civil service employees and 246 members of the domestic diplomatic staff. This marks one of the most significant workforce reductions in the department's recent history.

The restructuring comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to reduce federal spending and streamline government operations.

The State Department has faced mounting pressure in recent years to modernize its systems and cut operational costs. Still, many fear the changes could undermine the country’s ability to project influence abroad and maintain effective diplomatic engagement.

Since taking office, President Trump has pushed for institutional reforms across the federal government, including the Department of State. His approach focuses on reducing workforce numbers and overhauling legacy structures.

However, the strategy has provoked concern among foreign policy experts, who argue that such deep staffing cuts risk diminishing America's global diplomatic reach at a time of increasing international complexity.