The State Department is set to start sending out layoff notices to employees via email “in the coming days,” as part of the Trump administration's strategy to downsize government operations. This announcement was made by Michael Rigas, the deputy secretary of state for management and resources, in a memo that was obtained by The Washington Post on Thursday.
While the memo did not specify the exact number of employees that would be affected, it stated that “every effort has been made to support our colleagues who are departing.” This news has led to increased uncertainty among the workforce, negatively impacting morale. Many employees expressed frustration, particularly as they have recently been required to work additional hours to assist U.S. citizens attempting to flee the Middle East amidst escalating tensions in the region.
One State Department employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid potential repercussions, shared with The Post that the current push for layoffs highlights a disconnect between the department's leadership and its workforce. “It’s as if they either don’t appreciate or just don’t care about us,” the employee remarked, reflecting a sentiment shared by many within the department.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Congress back in May that the plan includes reducing the U.S. workforce by over 15 percent, which translates to nearly 2,000 employees. This reduction is part of a broader reorganization effort aimed at what Rubio described as a “bloated bureaucracy that stifles innovation and misallocates scarce resources.” Additionally, Rubio has accused certain bureaus within the department of pursuing a “radical political ideology,” further complicating the internal atmosphere.
President Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of the State Department since his first term, and it has become apparent that his second administration would specifically target the department for significant cuts. The prevailing question has not been if layoffs would take place, but rather how extensive they would be.
In a recent development, the Supreme Court has paved the way for the Trump administration to advance its plans for mass firings and reorganizations across 19 federal agencies, including the State Department. This followed the lifting of a lower-court order that had temporarily blocked these layoffs, which had been challenged on the grounds that the administration failed to consult with Congress beforehand.
While the impending layoffs are met with widespread disapproval among career officials, some have expressed a sense of relief that the Supreme Court’s decision has lifted the uncertainty that loomed over the department. “The only thing worse than these layoffs was the uncertainty about these layoffs,” stated another anonymous State Department official, highlighting the stress and anxiety that has permeated the workplace as employees awaited clarity on their job security.
As the situation unfolds, the State Department workforce will be watching closely, grappling with the implications of these layoffs and what they mean for the future of the agency.
