US State Department lays off over 1,300 staff

AA

Created: July 12, 2025 04:47

Gathering in the lobby and in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, personnel applauded and consoled their colleagues as they left the building carrying their personal belongings.

The day before, US Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas announced the layoffs in an email to staff.

The layoffs are considered part of a restructuring plan announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in May, who described his department as "bloated" and overwhelmed by bureaucracy.

The US Secretary of State stated that the changes would bring the Department more in line with core American values and purge centers of "radical political ideology."

After leaving the building, Olga Bashbush hugged friends gathered outside the building. Showing her 20th-anniversary service badge to Anadolu Agency cameras, she said, "We are here to protect the American Constitution and American values. And we have done that. I have had the honor of serving in both Republican and Democratic administrations. I serve the American Constitution, and it is a great tragedy that we are being terminated right now."

Another foreign ministry staff member, who asked to remain anonymous and was laid off after completing 15 years at the Ministry next month, said, "Today is a truly sad day for many civil servants who work so devotedly at the Ministry. I, too, am deeply saddened and deeply shaken. You know, we've all put our hearts into this, and what's happening now is devastating."

According to internal Ministry correspondence leaked to the US media, the layoffs cover a total of 1,353 people, including 1,107 civil servants and 246 diplomats.