The U.S. State Department announced a significant restructuring on Friday, resulting in the layoff of over 1,350 employees. This move marks the largest reorganization effort in decades and aims to streamline operations within the department. According to an internal notice from the State Department’s Bureau of Global Talent Management, a total of 1,107 civil service and 246 Foreign Service employees in the United States received Reduction in Force (RIF) notices.
Many employees who received RIF notices departed from the department’s headquarters on Friday afternoon, some visibly emotional and carrying boxes filled with personal belongings and office supplies. A rally outside the headquarters saw staff and protestors applauding the departing employees. Michael Duffin, a senior policy advisor at the Bureau of Counterterrorism, shared that the Office of Countering Violent Extremism, where he worked, was entirely eliminated, leading to his layoff. This office played a crucial role in combating issues such as antisemitism and white supremacy.
"No one at the State Department would disagree with the need for reform," Duffin stated during the rally. "But arbitrarily laying off people like me and others, irrespective of their performance, is not the right way to do it." As he left the building, he held a sign proclaiming, “Diplomacy matters. Feds matter.” In a surprising twist, some employees were later informed that they had received RIF notices by mistake. Lew Olowski, senior bureau official, clarified that certain notifications were sent in error and urged those affected to disregard them, assuring them that their positions were not being abolished.
For Foreign Service employees, the separation will occur 120 days after receiving their RIF notices, while civil service employees typically have around 60 days. The State Department emphasized that the layoffs were tailored to affect non-core functions and identified offices where efficiencies could be achieved through consolidation.
Interestingly, the department has reduced the total number of layoffs compared to earlier estimates provided to Congress. Initially, the State Department projected nearly 1,900 layoffs, but this figure has now been adjusted. In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which allowed the Trump administration to resume its plans for workforce reduction, the department anticipates that nearly 3,000 employees, representing approximately 15% of its workforce, will ultimately depart due to this significant reorganization.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) raised concerns about the timing of these layoffs, especially considering the Foreign Service’s current state of being under-resourced. AFSA reports that the State Department has lost at least 20% of its Foreign Service workforce this year due to various factors, including forced resignations. AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi noted that this situation has contributed to burnout among employees, as junior staff are taking on responsibilities beyond their experience.
Yazdgerdi expressed frustration over the merit-based claims associated with the layoffs, stating, “It’s not how many, it’s who is getting RIF’d that is the story.” He emphasized that the layoffs seemed disconnected from performance and skills, instead targeting employees based solely on their assignments. AFSA criticized the decision-making process, noting that there were established mechanisms to handle staffing excesses that were not utilized.
Michael Rigas, deputy secretary of state for management and resources, communicated to the workforce that the RIF notifications mark the final phase of the department's reorganization, which will affect over 300 bureaus and offices. Meanwhile, the Public Diplomacy Council of America reported technical issues with the RIF notification system, indicating that the rollout of notices would be staggered throughout the day.
According to a former State Department official, many mid-level and senior executives are expected to receive RIF notices, suggesting a significant impact on leadership within the department. This official also mentioned that around 200 non-RIF-eligible employees may be offered lower-grade positions, prompting voluntary separations.
Rigas described the RIF process as a “targeted reduction,” affecting both civil and Foreign Service personnel. Employees were encouraged to prepare for potential changes by updating their resumes and confirming employment details. Despite the challenging circumstances, the State Department aims to support departing colleagues, particularly those opting for the Deferred Resignation Programs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the reorganization aims to enhance efficiency and focus within the department. He clarified that the layoffs were not intended to eliminate positions but rather to adjust to the department's evolving needs. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce echoed this sentiment, asserting that the reorganization is necessary to restore the department's roots in results-driven diplomacy.
As the State Department navigates these challenging changes, the focus remains on ensuring that the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic global landscape.
