The US State Department reported to Congress on the 29th that it plans to undergo a major restructuring, with nearly 45% of the over 700 institutions within the Department to be abolished, integrated, or streamlined.
The State Department currently employs approximately 18,780 people. According to the restructuring plan, the number of civil servants and diplomats within the US will be reduced by 3,448. This layoff does not involve personnel stationed overseas or local employees hired abroad.
Local media reported that several offices established during former President Biden's tenure will be closed, including the Office of Global Women's Issues, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, among others. The Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, originally responsible for refugee affairs, will be restructured to focus on "deporting illegal immigrants."
Additionally, the State Department will establish a new Deputy Secretary of State position responsible for foreign aid affairs, which will include the responsibilities previously held by the eliminated United States Agency for International Development.
Reports indicate that the State Department is acting on Trump's directive to reform its "bloated, inefficient" diplomatic system. Previously, the State Department had already instructed its embassies and consulates abroad to reduce the number of American staff and local hires and plans to close 10 embassies and 17 consulates abroad.