Diplomacy
State Dept. cuts poised to be more severe than previously outlined with 3,400 employees on the chopping block
There were bipartisan concerns from lawmakers about a planned break-up of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, according to meeting notes. Office eliminations are expected by June 2.
Updated
State to slash 15% of domestic staff, eliminate 132 offices
Layoffs expected by July 1, though embassy and overseas closures are not yet part of the plan
Rubio denies that Trump will politicize the Foreign Service and slash embassies
State Department says a draft executive order, which would have created new loyalty requirements for career staff and eliminated many offices, is fake. A reorganization of the department is still expected shortly.
Experts fear global media agency’s gutting will strip key tools against foreign propaganda
U.S. Agency for Global Media programs serve a critical function in the face of U.S. adversaries’ efforts to wage information warfare against American allies and regions of critical interest, an influence operations analyst said.
What does the head of the State Department do?
The secretary of state has an expansive job that could make or break peace deals and key foreign alliances.
Biden’s State Dept. hiring surge ‘at the heart of everything’ he’s accomplished diplomatically, secretary says
Administration officials hope their gains can withstand an adversarial administration or Congress next year.
Exclusive
State Dept. hopeful even a Trump administration would continue its hiring and reform efforts
Trump appointees clashed with the foreign service in his first term, but top official hopes to sell them on taking a new path if he is re-elected.
State Department’s top ranks need more career staff, senators say
Lawmakers look to promote a more merit-based system for top diplomats.
Meet the frustrated negotiators seeking a Gaza ceasefire
Qatar is increasingly the world’s mediator, but this is the energy-rich sheikdom’s toughest case yet.
State Department warns of significant risks due to ongoing budget pressures
State's top appropriator says he will try to make FY25 as "minimally harmful" as possible for the department, but Secretary Blinken cautions an already understaffed workforce would suffer without more resources.
‘We are more complicit:’ Biden’s Israel policies spur feds to protest at the White House
A group of federal employees say their knowledge and access force them to speak out against the administration's position in the Israel-Gaza war.
Group of feds causes firestorm after ‘walking out’ over Biden’s Israel policies
House speaker has called for their firings, but the group is pledging further action.
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State Department restores passport processing to pre-pandemic levels
A hiring surge and mandatory overtime has brought passport processing down to its lowest level in years.
State Dept. employees praise Biden administration for encouraging dissent
The administration has faced some criticism for censoring employee speech related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, but staff say internal channels are open for disagreement.
Henry Kissinger has died. The titan of US foreign policy changed the world, for better or worse
The former secretary of state and national security advisor was 100.
State Dept. expands capacity for training and onboarding amid hiring surge
Middle East war demonstrates need for a competent diplomatic workforce, State Secretary Antony Blinken says.
Passport Processing Remains Strained Despite Record Pace and a Hiring Spurt
The State Department cannot give an estimate for when the outlook will improve.
Marines Update Evacuation Playbook
A pre-deployment exercise allowed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to practice what they learned from the Afghanistan withdrawal and other non-combatant evacuation operations.
State, Union Say Complying With House Subpoena Would Create Chilling Effect on Career Staff
The department said turning over a protected communication on the Afghanistan withdrawal would undermine its "unique way" for employees to "speak truth to power."
State to End Severe Restrictions on Disabled Individuals Entering Foreign Service
The department will pay out $37.5 million as part of a settlement that will make it easier for people with disabilities to serve in the government's diplomatic corps abroad.
Unfrozen: How the State Department Has Reversed Its ‘Draconian’ Cuts in Just Two Years
Biden promised to revive a "hollowed out" federal workforce, and at one agency, he has.
