State Department to Cut 17% Offices, 700 Positions in Reorganization

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a reorganization plan for the State Department, which he described as "bloated" and in need of streamlining. The plan includes cutting projects, closing some offices, and downgrading certain departments, although a more radical administrative order previously proposed was not adopted.

Rubio unveiled a new organizational chart for the State Department, proposing to downgrade the office responsible for democracy and human rights, and close offices dealing with women's issues, global health security, and diversity and inclusion. He stated that the current structure of the State Department is inefficient and bureaucratic, unable to fulfill its core diplomatic mission in an era of intensified great power competition. Over the past 15 years, the department has expanded rapidly, with costs soaring, but taxpayers have not seen the expected returns, and the efficiency and effectiveness of diplomatic work have declined.

Rubio's plan aims to integrate some regional functions, close redundant institutions, and eliminate projects that do not align with U.S. core national interests. He also echoed President Trump's language, stating that the State Department has become a system "constrained by radical political ideologies."

In an internal email, Rubio wrote to State Department employees that once Congress approves Trump's nomination of Michael Rigas as the Under Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Rigas will lead the reorganization efforts. Another internal email from Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau assured employees that the announced reorganization is limited to domestic offices within the U.S. and will not affect any overseas embassies, positions, or operational activities. However, this statement does not rule out the possibility of further adjustments in the future.

Rubio's proposal may have come as a relief to some diplomats, as a previously circulated draft executive order suggested more drastic reforms. These included closing multiple embassies in Africa, eliminating departments responsible for United Nations affairs, and reducing diplomatic presence in countries like Canada. Rubio's public announcement provided few details about the reforms, stating only that adjustments would be made "in an orderly manner" over the next few months. However, a report shared on his X platform account hinted at more significant changes, including the closure of 132 offices (17% of the total), some of which are responsible for human rights and preventing war crimes.

According to internal documents, the reorganization will result in the elimination of 700 positions, with each Under Secretary required to reduce their staff by 15%. Additionally, 137 offices will be transferred to other functional areas to consolidate related projects. The reorganization is also expected to solidify the Trump administration's plan to close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and integrate its functions directly into the State Department's management system.