WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has fired more than 1,350 employees from the U.S. State Department after receiving legal relief from a court, in what is being described as one of the most sweeping reorganizations within the department.
According to a foreign news agency, the US State Department issued termination notices to over 1,350 employees.
The decision was communicated through a notice signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, informing 1,107 civil service workers and 246 foreign service officers working in the U.S. that they were being terminated.
In an official statement, the State Department described the move as part of a “reorganization plan.” The statement noted that the action aligns with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, under which several offices related to human rights, democracy, and refugee affairs are being shut down. The responsibilities of these offices will now be transferred to regional bureaus.
An internal memo stated that the restructuring aims to refocus on diplomatic priorities and enhance the efficiency of domestic operations. It further explained that redundant units, overlapping functions, and overstaffed offices would be eliminated to conserve resources.
The announcement led to emotional scenes at the State Department headquarters. Dozens of employees gathered in the lobby, applauding their dismissed colleagues.
Many departing employees were seen teary-eyed, hugging each other and carrying boxes filled with personal belongings.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen stood in solidarity outside the building, where State Department staff held signs reading “Thank You, American Diplomats.”
Dismissed employees were also issued a five-page checklist clearly stating they would not be allowed back into the building after 5 pm and that their official email access would be revoked.
Among those let go were officials handling sensitive operations, including the relocation of Afghan nationals to the US The State Department employs approximately 18,000 people in the US and nearly 3,000 positions are expected to be eliminated under this plan.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine condemned the decision, calling it a “dangerous blow to US security.” He said, “This decision is absurd and risky, especially at a time when China is expanding its global diplomatic, military, and technological influence, Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, and the Middle East remains in turmoil.”
President Trump had ordered Secretary Marco Rubio in February to restructure the State Department, targeting employees considered “disloyal” to the administration’s policies.
