The State Department shakeup sparks backlash following the dismissal of more than 1,300 employees in a sweeping reorganization plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the terminations last Friday, catching diplomats and lawmakers off guard.
The fired employees included experts on China, global energy policy, and intelligence coordination. Many had served for decades, offering institutional knowledge now lost overnight.
These dismissals stunned career diplomats. They questioned how the government would fill the void in critical foreign policy areas. Some cuts hit programs directly tied to national security, such as visa fraud prevention and China strategy.
Additionally, everyday services like passport processing may experience severe delays. Experts fear the public will soon feel the impact of these abrupt changes.
Rubio’s office defended the firings. Officials said the department needed restructuring to improve efficiency and reduce waste. However, critics remain unconvinced by those explanations.
During a heated Senate exchange, Democratic Senator Cory Booker confronted Assistant Secretary Rigas over misleading testimony. “I don’t trust you, Mr. Rigas,” Booker declared during the Senate hearing. “Your statements lack veracity and integrity.”
Rigas attempted to respond but was interrupted repeatedly. “This is outrageous,” he shouted, as Booker continued challenging his remarks.
Booker referenced a list created by former and current diplomats. It detailed key roles Rigas had claimed were untouched. According to Booker, those claims were false. “You lied to this committee and to the House.” He said.
Meanwhile, foreign service officers say morale inside the department is collapsing. Many worry that remaining staff cannot manage the same workload with fewer people and less leadership.
Some former diplomats called the restructuring reckless. They warned it could harm the United States’ global competitiveness and weaken security operations.
The State Department shakeup sparks backlash not only in Washington but across diplomatic posts worldwide. Allies are asking who they should now contact.
As global challenges mount, lawmakers urge the administration to rethink its approach. The State Department shakeup sparks backlash at a time when experience and stability are most needed.
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