Largest Shake-Up of American Diplomacy Since 1789 Proposed by Trump
A 16-page draft executive order circulating among U.S. officials, as reported by multiple sources, reveals the Trump administration’s plan for a sweeping reorganization of the State Department.
This proposal, if enacted, would mark the largest shake-up of American diplomacy since the department’s founding in 1789. The draft calls for closing nearly all U.S. diplomatic posts in sub-Saharan Africa.
It also proposes eliminating bureaus dedicated to democracy, human rights, refugees, and climate issues, while consolidating regional operations into four new “corps” focused on Eurasia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Indo-Pacific.
The plan would dissolve the Bureau of African Affairs, replacing it with a small office reporting directly to the White House National Security Council.
Diplomats would no longer maintain a permanent presence in Africa but would instead conduct short, targeted assignments. The U.S. embassy in Ottawa would see substantial staff cuts, and Canadian affairs would fall under a new, smaller North American office.
The draft order mandates the elimination of the Foreign Service entrance exam, replacing it with a regionally focused system. Applicants would select a region at the outset and must demonstrate alignment with the president’s foreign policy vision.
Major Overhaul Proposed for U.S. Diplomacy
The department would offer buyouts to staff through September 30, with many employees expected to receive paid leave or termination notices. Internal documents suggest the department could lose up to half its budget and close 10 embassies and 17 consulates worldwide.
The proposal also targets educational and diversity programs. The Fulbright scholarship would narrow to master’s students in national security. Additionally, contracts with Howard University for diversity fellowships would end.
The order calls for expanded use of artificial intelligence in drafting documents and policy planning, aiming to streamline operations and cut costs. Supporters argue the overhaul would eliminate waste and align diplomacy with national interests.
Critics warn it would erode decades of expertise and diminish America’s global influence, especially in Africa and on issues like climate and human rights. Key elements require congressional notification and face likely legal challenges.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the White House have publicly dismissed the draft as “fake news,” but officials confirm its circulation and the seriousness of the proposed changes.
The real story is a dramatic pivot toward a leaner, more centralized, and ideologically aligned diplomatic corps. This shift has significant implications for U.S. business, security, and international engagement.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief