State Department Overhaul

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a reorganization of the State Department yesterday, calling for a 15% reduction in force across the US (roughly 2,000 positions) and consolidation of more than 100 offices worldwide. An internal working group is tasked with executing the plan by July 1. 

The 132 offices slated to be cut represent roughly 18% of the State Department’s offices. They include offices related to women’s issues, criminal justice, and promoting democracy. Two offices will be added: one focusing on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and another to coordinate aid programs that remain following the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development. Regional bureaus will not be affected, including the Bureau of African Affairs, despite an earlier report.

The overhaul is part of the Trump administration's aim to downsize the federal government and reduce the national debt. The State Department is the oldest executive agency (see overview), with a $63.5B budget for FY2025. Explore more on the nation’s $36.2T debt here.