Big Changes at the U.S. State Department

Significant Changes at the State Department

The U.S. State Department is undergoing considerable transformation under the Trump administration, which has led to significant concerns among veteran diplomats. The removal of collective bargaining rights for the American Foreign Service Association is a critical issue that raises alarms about the morale and retention of skilled Foreign Service officers. Many experienced diplomats are retiring at an unprecedented rate, with more departures noted in the first few months of the year compared to the entire previous year, threatening the institutional knowledge essential for effective diplomacy. Furthermore, the State Department is facing hiring freezes, canceled internships, and proposals to close various diplomatic posts, all of which could undermine the U.S.'s global standing and influence in foreign affairs.