Senior State Department officials are planning to close a dozen consulates overseas by this summer and are evaluating the potential closure of additional missions. This decision is expected to impact the U.S. government's ability to build partnerships and gather intelligence, according to American officials.
The Department of State also intends to lay off a significant number of local employees, who comprise two-thirds of the agency's workforce and are crucial for U.S. diplomats' understanding of their local environments.
This reduction is aligned with President Trump’s broader federal budget cuts and his “America First” policy, which seeks to limit the ways the United States exerts its global influence through democracy, human rights, and aid initiatives.
The timing of these closures coincides with China's ascendance in global diplomatic representation, now surpassing the U.S. in the number of diplomatic posts. China has established strong relationships, particularly in Asia and Africa, and has increased its influence in international organizations.
Widespread shutdowns of missions could hinder the federal government's operations and potentially compromise U.S. national security, as embassies are vital for various agencies—including military, intelligence, law enforcement, and health—that monitor developments in host nations and collaborate with local officials.
An internal review has raised concerns within the Central Intelligence Agency, as most undercover officers operate from embassies and consulates. Closure of these posts would limit the CIA's options for deploying its personnel.
The State Department is experiencing a wave of senior staff resignations, with a hiring freeze contributing to a shrinking workforce. In the first two months of the year, approximately 700 employees, including 450 career diplomats, have resigned, which is significantly higher than previous years.
The proposed cuts to diplomatic posts and staffing are part of an internal campaign to reduce the State Department’s operational budget by potentially 20 percent. Discussions regarding these cuts are ongoing and could evolve over time.
The process has been expedited by a team led by Elon Musk, which is examining government expenditures. One team member is reportedly assisting the State Department in directing budget cuts.
A memo indicates plans to close a dozen consulates, primarily in Western Europe, amid efforts to strengthen U.S. relations with Russia while distancing from European allies.
The U.S. currently has 271 global diplomatic posts compared to China's 274, although the U.S. maintains an edge in Europe.
The State Department has informed congressional committees about these planned closures, including a consulate in Gaziantep, Turkey, which has been instrumental in U.S. operations related to Syrian refugees.
These consulates, often staffed by one or two American diplomats and local employees, play a critical role in gathering information and issuing visas.
In a directive to mission leaders, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized maintaining minimal staffing levels to align with the president’s foreign policy priorities. A recent communication has instructed employees to identify instances of waste and inefficiency to support budget reduction efforts.
Plans for budget cuts could lead to significant operational reductions across the State Department, with potential consolidation of embassies and regional missions.
A list of consulates slated for closure includes locations in Italy, France, Germany, and Portugal, along with one in Brazil. The State Department has stated it is continuously assessing its global posture to meet modern challenges effectively.
While Secretary Rubio has expressed a commitment to the diplomatic corps, there are concerns about ongoing drastic cuts to foreign aid and staffing levels at various agencies, raising questions about his approach to U.S. foreign policy.
Employees are preparing for possible layoffs, with specific considerations being made for seniority and job performance in any reduction-in-force actions.
Top officials are also contemplating consolidating various bureaus within the department to streamline operations and reduce costs.