^{President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office on April 7.Saul Loeb / AFP-Getty Images}

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A Radical Redesign of American Diplomacy

The Trump administration is preparing to implement one of the most dramatic restructurings of the U.S. State Department in modern history. A draft executive order obtained by multiple outlets, including CNBC and The New York Times, outlines a sweeping reform aimed at aligning U.S. diplomatic efforts with what it calls an “America First Strategic Doctrine.”

The 16-page document proposes a bold realignment of the department’s global footprint and internal operations, with a deadline of October 1, 2025, for full execution.

Key Structural Changes: Consolidations and Closures

1. Closure of Non-Essential Embassies in Africa
The draft mandates the closure of all "non-essential embassies and consulates" in Sub-Saharan Africa — a move that could shutter more than a dozen posts across the continent. While exact embassy closures are not listed, the reduction could affect key partnerships with nations in East, Central, and Southern Africa, many of which rely on U.S. diplomatic presence for development and security assistance.

2. Four Mega Regional Corps to Replace Bureaus
Under the plan, existing regional bureaus would be consolidated into four mega-regional corps:

• Eurasia Corps: Europe, Russia, and Central Asia
• Middle East Corps: Arab nations, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
• Latin America Corps: Including the Caribbean and South America
• Indo-Pacific Corps: Covering India, Southeast Asia, and Pacific island nations

Canada would no longer have its own dedicated diplomatic team. Instead, it would fall under a reduced "North American Affairs Office" within the Secretary of State's leadership team.

Mission Focus Shift: Climate, Human Rights & Women’s Rights Axed

The proposal would eliminate entire departments focused on:

• Climate policy
• Women’s issues
• Democracy promotion
• Human rights
• Migration affairs
• Criminal justice coordination

Critics argue that these eliminations weaken America’s soft power and undermine decades of bipartisan diplomacy. Former diplomats have warned this could lead to long-term reputational damage and decrease U.S. influence at the United Nations and other international organizations.

Overhaul in Diplomatic Hiring: Loyalty over Legacy

Perhaps one of the most controversial shifts is the proposed dismantling of the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), a decades-old standardized exam that selects candidates based on merit and diplomatic knowledge.

In its place, the draft order recommends a new selection process that evaluates candidates’ alignment with the president’s foreign policy vision. This change could dramatically alter the apolitical nature of the diplomatic service and lead to increased politicization of foreign affairs.

Additionally, current Foreign and Civil Service employees who do not wish to participate in the new structure will be offered a one-time buyout through September 30.

Reactions: Outrage, Denials, and Political Spin

While the White House has not officially commented, Senator Marco Rubio — listed in the draft as Secretary of State — responded to The New York Times article by calling it “fake news” on X (formerly Twitter).

However, sources familiar with the draft say it has circulated widely within the State Department and has already triggered internal discussions and concerns among long-serving diplomats.

One retired ambassador noted anonymously, “This goes beyond reform. This is a demolition.”

Geopolitical Implications: Strategic or Short-Sighted?

With U.S. global influence already being challenged by China and Russia in regions like Africa and Southeast Asia, critics argue this restructuring could create a diplomatic vacuum that adversarial nations are likely to fill. China, for example, has increased its presence in Africa with over 50 embassies and dozens of infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Cutting U.S. engagement while competitors expand could have long-term consequences in trade, security, and cultural influence.

Historical Context: An Unprecedented Shift

This proposal echoes Trump's 2017 attempt at government restructuring, which similarly called for the elimination of many diplomatic posts and development programs. While that effort largely failed due to bipartisan resistance, sources say this current draft has been more carefully crafted for execution if Trump secures a second term in November 2025.

October Deadline Looms

The draft order sets an aggressive timeline: all restructuring must be completed by October 1, 2025. With potential layoffs, buyouts, and policy shifts on the horizon, the U.S. diplomatic corps — once considered the gold standard worldwide — faces an uncertain future.

Whether these proposed changes ultimately go into effect or stall due to legal or political opposition, the document offers a clear window into the priorities of a second Trump administration: efficiency, loyalty, and a narrower interpretation of America’s global role.

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