By Isabella Torregiani
2:50pm PDT, Jul 14, 2025
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On Friday, July 11, the U.S. State Department laid off more than 1,300 employees as part of President
Donald Trump's sweeping reorganization initiative, which was first announced earlier this year.
Keep reading for more on the layoffs… MORE:
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According to the Associated Press, the layoffs included 1,107 civil servants and 246 foreign service officers, whose positions were officially "abolished." Former employees were notified early Friday and given until 5 p.m. to clear out before losing access to State Department systems. Some of those impacted by the layoffs gathered outside the building to protest the decision, holding signs that reportedly read "We all deserve better" and "Thank you to America's diplomats."
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While visiting the State Department during the layoffs, New Jersey Senator Andy Kim expressed his frustration over the situation. "It's just heartbreaking to stand outside these doors right now and see people coming out in tears, because all they wanted to do was serve this country," he said. Retired State Department official Anne Bodine also spoke out, telling the AP, "We talk about people in uniform serving. But foreign service officers take an oath of office, just like military officers. … This is not the way to treat people who served their country and who believe in 'America First.'"
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President Donald Trump's reorganization efforts began back in May when the State Department revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 18%. On Thursday night, Trump doubled down on his defunding campaign, warning Republicans to support his latest Rescissions Bill — which includes cutting funds for PBS and NPR. "It is very important that all Republicans adhere to my Rescissions Bill and, in particular, DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), which is worse than CNN [and] MSDNC put together," he wrote on Truth Social. "Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement. Thank you for your attention to this matter."
