State Department to Cut Jobs, Bureaus in “America First’ Reorganization
A massive reorganization is announced at the State Department, with job cuts and bureau closures to follow.
The overhaul was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said the goal is to create an “America First” agency. In a note blaming a “sprawling democracy” for America’s foreign policy ills, the secretary said the new policy will focus on empowering State Department workers “from the ground up.”
“Region-specific functions will be consolidated to increase functionality, redundant offices will be removed, and non-statutory programs that are misaligned with America’s core national interests will cease to exist,” wrote Secretary Rubio, who also unveiled a new org chart for the agency.
On the chopping block are 15 percent of State Department jobs. Also set for closure are more than 100 overseas bureaus, which will be consolidated in a bid to streamline resources.
Undersecretaries of various departments have 30 days to present a plan on job cuts. Reduction in force (RIF) notices are set to go out later.
“They’re not going to be walking out of the building. It’s not that kind of a dynamic. It is a roadmap. It’s a plan,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Many of the cuts will focus on State Department offices that work to further human rights, advance democracy overseas, counter extremism, and prevent war crimes.
There is no indication of impacts to the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) in the details released to date.
Mixed Congressional Reaction
Republicans in Congress largely welcomed the news. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R-FL) said the overhaul will make the State Department “leaner and meaner and ensure every dollar and diplomat puts America First.”
But Democrats and employee organizations see it differently.
“I will be scrutinizing these proposed reforms, which must be done with close consultation with Congress and in compliance with the law … and I will hold Secretary Rubio to his pledge to appear before our Committee and engage with Congress on the future of the State Department,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
“No one disputes the value of strengthening and rationalizing the State Department to meet today’s global challenges. But there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. The right way does not involve weakening and demoralizing the workforce. Neither does it involve rhetoric that accuses our diplomats of being ineffective, lacking accountability and concern for American interests,” the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) said in reaction to the plans, indicting members are anxious for more details on workforce impacts.
USAID Impact
The State Department overhaul comes after President Trump moved to effectively shutter the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). State is formally absorbing most of USAID’s functions.
The administration also moved to shutter other foreign policy institutions like Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.