The Trump administration has directed U.S. embassies worldwide to prepare for potential staff reductions as part of a broader effort to reshape the U.S. diplomatic corps, sources familiar with
the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
According to the sources, some embassies have been asked to evaluate a 10 percent reduction in both American and locally employed staff. Each embassy is expected to submit workforce assessments to the State Department by Friday, after which further decisions will be made. U.S. embassies typically employ a mix of diplomats and local hires, with the majority of personnel coming from the host country, as noted by the National Museum of American Diplomacy.
In a separate development, a U.S. official confirmed that approximately 60 contractors at the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor had been terminated in recent weeks. The official indicated that additional cuts could follow across other bureaus.
ABC News first reported that embassies were instructed to prepare for staff reductions. The State Department has yet to issue a comment on the matter.
Executive Order Reinforces Foreign Policy Shift
The workforce reduction initiative coincides with President Donald Trump’s broader effort to realign the diplomatic corps with his "America First" foreign policy agenda. On Wednesday, Trump signed an executive order directing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to reform the foreign service to ensure strict adherence to his policy objectives.
Titled “One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations,” the order states that failure to fully implement the president’s agenda could lead to professional discipline, including dismissal. “The Secretary must maintain an exceptional workforce of patriots to implement this policy effectively,” the directive reads.
Additionally, the order calls for a potential overhaul of the Foreign Affairs Manual, which governs operational procedures at the State Department, both domestically and abroad.
USAID and Government Efficiency Measures
Shortly after assuming office on January 20, Trump imposed a freeze on most U.S. foreign aid to align it with his “America First” priorities. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—the government’s leading humanitarian agency—became an early target for budget reductions. This effort has been led by billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk, who was appointed to oversee government efficiency initiatives.
Since taking office, Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been reviewing personnel and financial records across various agencies. In addition to USAID, Musk has spearheaded efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—an agency designed to protect consumers from predatory lending practices.
As Trump’s administration continues its efforts to streamline the federal government and enforce loyalty within the diplomatic ranks, further restructuring is expected in the coming months. Photo by Veedar at English Wikipedia.
