State Department Fires 1,300+ Employees in Sweeping Reorganization

The U.S. State Department has begun laying off more than 1,300 employees as part of a dramatic restructuring backed by the Trump administration, igniting outrage from career diplomats and lawmakers who warn the move will hollow out America’s diplomatic muscle. 

What Happened

According to internal memos and officials quoted in multiple outlets, termination notices went out on July 11 to 1,107 civil servants and 246 Foreign Service officers—a total exceeding 1,350 staff. Some employees learned of their dismissal via email while on hardship tours or medical leave, and several erroneous notices had to be rescinded after frantic appeals.

The layoffs were orchestrated by a tight-knit cadre of young political appointees—led by 28-year-old acting Undersecretary for Foreign Assistance Jeremy Lewin—tasked with “breaking stuff” to align the department with the administration’s “America First” agenda. 

Targets of the Cuts

Early casualties include offices focused on women’s issues, human rights, refugee programs, and nuclear policy, critics say—functions many argue are central to U.S. credibility abroad.

One especially controversial decision was shuttering the Office of Casualty Assistance (OCA) the small team that helps bring home deceased or injured U.S. diplomats and their families. Staff received pink slips while actively repatriating a colleague killed in Mexico, sparking bipartisan backlash.

The Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR)—the State Department’s in‑house intel arm famed for its independent analysis—also faces a proposed 20% staff cut, drawing warnings from former officials that gutting INR will weaken policy rigor just as disinformation and great‑power rivalry intensify.

Supporters vs. Critics

Supporters inside the administration argue the department is bloated and misaligned with presidential priorities. They insist streamlining will free resources for frontline missions and reduce duplication with other agencies. 

Critics—including Democratic senators, ex-ambassadors, and unions—call the process ideologically driven and dangerously sloppy. Beyond morale shocks, they warn of long-term damage to crisis response, treaty negotiations, and global influence. Lawsuits and congressional inquiries are already in motion to challenge both the scope and legality of the dismissals.

Botched Rollout Fuels Chaos

Reports describe clerical mistakes, mismatched names, and duplicate notices. Some employees were told to pack up immediately; others received contradictory instructions about appeal rights and severance. HR hotlines were overwhelmed, and managers lacked clear guidance on who could stay.

Diplomatic and Security Implications

• Loss of Expertise: Many of those cut hold decades of regional fluency and program memory that are hard to replace quickly.
• Program Delays: Refugee admissions, sanctions enforcement, and nonproliferation talks could slow as teams shrink. 
• Morale Shock: Remaining staff fear further purges, driving exits and early retirements that compound the talent drain. 

What Happens Next

Congressional committees plan hearings on the restructuring; unions are preparing unfair labor practice complaints; and advocacy groups are urging courts to block portions of the plan. Meanwhile, department leadership vows to reassign some functions to larger administrative offices—moves skeptics say risk diluting specialized expertise. 

Timeline at a Glance

• July 11, 2025: Layoff notices sent to 1,353 staffers (civil service + Foreign Service). 
• July 12–19: Confusion and backlash mount; some notices rescinded; details leak about architects of the plan. 
• July 17–22: Fresh reports highlight office closures (OCA) and looming INR cuts; lawmakers demand briefings. 

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