Senior State Department officials are planning to close a dozen consulates overseas by this summer and are evaluating the possibility of further shutdowns, which may adversely affect U.S. efforts to foster international partnerships and collect intelligence, according to American officials.
The initiative includes laying off many local employees who constitute two-thirds of the agency's workforce and play a critical role in providing diplomats with essential local knowledge.
This reduction aligns with President Trump’s broader strategy to minimize federal government operations and reflects his “America First” foreign policy, which emphasizes a retreat from traditional methods of global influence, including supporting democracy, human rights, and aid initiatives.
These developments come as China has surpassed the United States in the number of global diplomatic posts, establishing strong relationships in Asia and Africa and increasing its influence in international organizations.
Significant mission closures could impede the functioning of several federal government sectors and potentially jeopardize U.S. national security, as embassies house personnel from various agencies that monitor local conditions and engage with local authorities on issues ranging from terrorism to public health.
Concerns about the potential for widespread cuts have arisen within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as many undercover intelligence officers operate from embassies and consulates, and closures would limit their operational flexibility.
Amid ongoing staff attrition, the State Department is experiencing a wave of voluntary resignations. Approximately 700 employees, including 450 career diplomats, have submitted resignation papers in just the first two months of the year, highlighting an alarming trend compared to previous years.
The effort to reduce diplomatic posts and staff is part of an internal initiative aimed at decreasing the State Department’s operational budget by up to 20 percent, as confirmed by two officials familiar with the discussions.
Plans for consulate closures, primarily in Western Europe, have been shared with Congress and include locations in Florence, Italy; Strasbourg, France; Hamburg, Germany; and Ponta Delgada, Portugal, with additional closures expected in Brazil.
In a recent directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need to minimize staffing overseas to align with presidential priorities and called for the elimination of positions left vacant for two years.
Additionally, a memo instructing all employees to identify "waste, fraud, and abuse" has been distributed, reflecting a broader initiative led by a team working to identify governmental inefficiencies.
Rubio has acknowledged the necessity of changes within the State Department, stating that the adjustments are aimed at modernizing the agency rather than undermining its core functions.
As the department braces for layoffs, discussions are ongoing regarding the consolidation of various bureaus and the potential merger of regional offices to streamline operations.
Despite these proposals, some attempts to expedite staffing cuts have been paused, and internal discussions continue regarding the overall impact on the department's capabilities and its diplomatic mission globally.