US State Department lays off over 1,300 employees in sweeping reorganization

The US State Department began laying off at least 1,353 U.S.-based staffers, including 1,107 civil service employees and 246 domestically assigned Foreign Service officers, under a dramatic reorganization led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The layoffs follow a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling enabling federal agencies to fire large numbers of employees without court interference. The Department had initially expected more than 2,000 terminations, but many staff opted for a voluntary resignation program, reducing the total forced departures.

Affected employees received notices immediately and were placed on paid administrative leave—with civil service staff facing a 60-day separation window, and diplomats allotted 120 days before final termination.

The layoffs hit agencies focused on foreign aid, energy policy, human rights, refugees, and consular services, including units such as the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations and even the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, which has a statutory requirement to continue functioning.

Secretary Rubio framed the initiative as essential to eliminate redundancies and focus US diplomacy on core priorities aligned with the “America First” agenda.

He argued that the department had grown bloated over decades and needed restructuring to remain effective amid global crises, including ongoing tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Critics—including Democratic lawmakers and former diplomats—have sharply condemned the move. Sen. Tim Kaine called it “one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made” at a time when US diplomatic capacity is critical.

The American Foreign Service Association warned the cuts could significantly weaken America’s global leadership by eliminating mid-career professionals with language and regional expertise.

Scenes at the Harry S Truman Building in Washington, DC, were emotional: departing workers carried boxes and personal items as colleagues lined the exits in silent tribute.

Protesters, including former ambassadors and staff families, gathered with signs reading “Thank You America’s Diplomats” and chants such as “We all deserve better."

Reuters reports these layoffs are part of an expected nearly 3,000-person reduction, when combined with voluntary departures. The plan also involves closing or consolidating dozens of domestic offices while retaining international assignments.