While Secretary of State Marco Rubio continued his diplomatic tour across Asia, back in Washington, the State Department he leads was busy carrying out a massive restructuring, one that included laying off 1,300 employees.
According to internal memos obtained by NewsNation, civil servants and foreign service officers were told to report in person on Friday, July 11th, bringing all department-issued equipment, including laptops, phones, travel cards, and diplomatic passports.
“In view of the anticipated reorganization and RIF, there will be no telework… all employees should report to work with all Department-issued equipment,” read one staff letter. “As we understand that badges will be collected… please ensure that any personal items are collected before that time.”
The cuts target roughly 1,100 civil servants and 250 foreign service officers stationed in the U.S. Officers impacted will be placed on 120 days of administrative leave before their positions are terminated. Civil servants have 60 days.
Rubio defended the layoffs while speaking from Kuala Lumpur, calling it a calculated step to boost efficiency. “It’s not a consequence of trying to get rid of people. But if you close the bureau, you don’t need those positions,” he said. “Some of these are positions that are being eliminated, not people.”
Still, critics aren’t buying it. All Senate Democrats on the Foreign Relations Committee signed a statement led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen warning that the move harms America’s ability to confront global threats.
“There are active conflicts and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Haiti, and Myanmar, to name a few. Now is the time to strengthen our diplomatic hand, not weaken it,” they stated. “We can’t afford to not have experienced diplomats at the table.”
A national security coalition of former diplomats and military leaders echoed that warning.
“NSL4A urges Congress to conduct oversight hearings on this plan and requests that the Administration suspend the reductions-in-force (RIFs) pending a comprehensive review of national security,” they said.
While Rubio continues to praise State Department efforts abroad, the fallout at home over the layoffs is far from over.
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