Rubio unveils bold State Department overhaul, slashing jobs
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a plan for the "dramatic restructuring" of the State Department, which includes, among other things, the elimination of the department responsible for attacks by "left-wing activists." The changes are expected to affect numerous countries.
What do you need to know?
- State Department restructuring: Marco Rubio announced changes aimed at eliminating the department responsible for attacks by "left-wing activists" on conservative leaders.
- Reduction of staff: There are plans to reduce the number of State Department employees in the United States by 15%, which may affect the closing of embassies and consulates.
- Criticism of the current structure: Rubio described the State Department as "bloated, bureaucratic," committed to a "radical political ideology."
What changes does Marco Rubio plan?
Rubio criticized the State Department as "bloated, bureaucratic, and unable to perform its essential diplomatic mission" and "tied to a radical political ideology." In a brief statement, without detailed information, he announced the elimination of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour. As "The New York Times" explains, this branch was responsible for promoting American values abroad.
Rubio assessed that this office had been transformed into a "platform for left-wing activists," who attacked conservative leaders and advocated for sanctions on arms supplies to Israel.
State Department to be rebuilt. Rubio announces changes
He additionally criticized the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, accusing it of transferring large sums of taxpayer money to non-governmental organizations supporting migration and—as he put it—"the invasion on our southern border" of the U.S.
The planned reform is expected to result in a 15 percent reduction in employment in the State Department. Employees of the department are now awaiting more detailed information regarding layoffs and the closing of embassies and consulates.
Previous reports from the "NYT" indicate that the Trump administration is considering closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates and plans to cut the State Department's budget nearly in half. Such changes could significantly impact the situation in many countries.
