On July 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department began terminating the jobs of more than 1,300 staff members as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
This large-scale layoff affects both civil service and Foreign Service employees.
According to a State Department official, 1,107 civil service workers and 246 members of the Foreign Service were notified of their dismissal.
The decision is part of a broader campaign to streamline federal operations. The layoffs follow previous moves to scale back other U.S. agencies, including the near-complete dismantling of the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), which has historically managed American humanitarian efforts worldwide.
The State Department had over 80,000 employees globally in 2024, with about 17,700 working in the United States. Now, a considerable portion of its domestic workforce is being cut.
Reports indicate that the affected employees were notified by email. Foreign Service officers will officially lose their positions 120 days after notification and are being placed on administrative leave in the meantime. Civil service employees will be officially separated 60 days after receiving notice.
The decision has raised concerns among former diplomats and officials. They argue that these layoffs could disrupt U.S. foreign operations and weaken the country’s ability to manage international affairs.
Critics say the firings are being handled in a way that may harm morale and reduce expertise across key areas of diplomacy.
The move is being viewed by many inside and outside the agency as more than just a structural adjustment, pointing to the scale and speed of the job cuts.
The impact on U.S. engagement overseas and support for American citizens abroad remains uncertain as the agency shifts to a reduced staff.