The U.S. State Department has initiated the dismissal of more than 1,300 employees as part of a restructuring initiative introduced during the Trump administration, officials confirmed this week.
The move affects 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers.
Layoff notices are being distributed to employees as part of the plan, which aims to streamline the department’s structure and refocus resources on critical diplomatic priorities. Foreign service officers will be placed on administrative leave for 120 days to complete final assignments, while civil servants will begin a 60-day separation period.
The decision stems from a broader federal directive to restructure government agencies for increased efficiency. According to department officials, the layoffs are intended to reduce bureaucratic layers and align operations with evolving national and international priorities.
The Trump-era plan identified the reorganization of federal departments, including the State Department, as key to improving service delivery and optimizing resource allocation.
As the department proceeds with the layoffs, officials are tasked with managing the transition while minimizing disruptions to diplomatic operations.
The affected employees are entering a period of transition, with timelines in place for administrative leave and separation.
The department’s leadership has stated it will continue addressing concerns raised by impacted staff and will work to ensure continuity in essential functions during the restructuring process.
