Rubio Axes Over 1,350 State Department Employees
State Department Undergoes Major Workforce Changes
More than 1,350 U.S. State Department employees were terminated on Friday as part of significant personnel changes implemented by the administration. The dismissals, which include 1,107 civil service and 246 foreign service officers based in the United States, have drawn varied reactions and come at a time of multiple international challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Gaza conflict, and heightened tensions in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.The layoffs led to emotional scenes at the State Department’s Washington headquarters, which is responsible for U.S. foreign policy and its global network of embassies. Colleagues were observed applauding departing staff, with some individuals seen leaving with personal belongings, visibly upset.
U.S. Senator Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat and former civilian adviser for the State Department, commented on the situation, noting, “It’s just heartbreaking to stand outside these doors right now and see people coming out in tears, because all they wanted to do was serve this country.”
These personnel actions follow a recent Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for the administration to proceed with plans affecting government positions. The court lifted a temporary block imposed by a lower court on the administration’s plans to reduce potentially tens of thousands of employees.
President Donald Trump has stated his intent to address what he refers to as the “deep state,” and since taking office in January, his administration has moved to install loyalists and reduce the number of veteran government workers.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Kuala Lumpur during an ASEAN meeting, stated that the foreign policy department is “too cumbersome” and requires a reduction of approximately 15 percent. “It’s not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you don’t need those positions,” Rubio explained. “Understand that some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.”
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the union representing State Department employees, issued a statement condemning the decision, characterizing it as a “catastrophic blow to our national interests” and stating, “We oppose this decision in the strongest terms.”
According to a fact sheet, the State Department employed over 80,000 individuals worldwide last year, with around 17,700 in domestic roles. Separately, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically been a primary vehicle for U.S. humanitarian assistance globally, has undergone significant restructuring.
Reports indicate that State Department employees were notified of their dismissals via email. Foreign Service officers will be placed on administrative leave immediately and will be separated from their positions 120 days after receiving notice, while civil service employees will be separated after 60 days.
Ned Price, who served as State Department spokesman in a previous administration, criticized the firings as haphazard. Price stated on X, “For all the talk about ‘merit-based,’ they’re firing officers based on where they happen to be assigned on this arbitrary day. It’s the laziest, most inefficient, and most damaging way to lean the workforce.”
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