The US State Department announced a sweeping reorganization plan on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, aimed at modernizing and streamlining its operations by eliminating more than 100 bureaus and offices worldwide. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled the initiative, which aligns with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy and seeks to reduce staff by 15% to enhance efficiency and focus on core national interests.
Details of the Overhaul
According to an internal memo obtained by Reuters and the Associated Press, the State Department plans to close 132 of its 734 bureaus and offices. Additionally, 137 offices will be relocated within the department as part of efforts to consolidate functions and reduce bureaucratic layers.
Rubio described the current structure as “bloated” and “bureaucratic,” hindering the department’s ability to effectively conduct diplomacy in an era of intense great power competition. He emphasized that the reorganization will “empower the Department from the ground up, from the bureaus to the embassies,” bringing it “into the 21st Century.”
Offices Targeted for Closure and Restructuring
Among the bureaus expected to be cut is the Office of Global Women’s Issues, a key player in the department’s diversity and inclusion efforts. These programs have faced reductions across the government since President Donald Trump took office in 2017.
The overhaul will also see the creation of a “reimagined” office focused on foreign and humanitarian affairs, designed to coordinate the remaining foreign assistance programs after the recent dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
However, the office responsible for human rights is expected to remain operational, with much of the work previously handled by the Undersecretary of Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights being redistributed within the department.
Goals and Implications
The reorganization aims to empower regional bureaus, improve decision-making speed, and eliminate programs and offices not aligned with the administration’s core priorities. Rubio and officials argue that the current sprawling structure prevents swift and effective diplomatic responses.
This restructuring follows an executive order issued by President Trump in February 2025 directing Rubio to revamp the US Foreign Service and the State Department’s operations to ensure the diplomatic corps fully supports the administration’s agenda.
Reactions and Outlook
While the exact number of layoffs remains unclear, the cuts signal a significant shift in US diplomatic strategy and resource allocation. Critics warn that reducing diversity and humanitarian-focused offices could undermine America’s global influence and soft power, while supporters argue that streamlining will make the department more agile and focused on national security.
As the State Department embarks on this ambitious overhaul, the world watches closely to see how the changes will affect US diplomacy and international relations moving forward.