The Trump administration is making significant changes to the U.S. State Department under Secretary Marco Rubio. This overhaul aims to align the department more closely with an America-First foreign policy. One of the first steps in this process was the elimination of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a move long desired by conservative critics of foreign aid.
Rubio recently announced plans to cut 15 percent of career staff within the State Department. This reduction focuses on reshaping the department’s activities in Washington rather than its global embassies and consulates. The changes are not radical, but they do signal a shift in priorities, aiming to reduce what Rubio calls the "bloated, bureaucratic swamp" of the State Department.
In a recent interview, Rubio criticized the Global Engagement Center (GEC), which he claims had become a tool for censorship under the previous administration. He noted that GEC had used taxpayer money to fund organizations that restricted free speech globally. This office has since been disbanded, reflecting a broader intention to dismantle programs that do not align with the administration’s goals.
Rubio’s reorganization also involves eliminating 132 offices within the State Department that he believes promote globalist priorities. By cutting these offices, he hopes to streamline operations and reinforce an America-First perspective. The changes are designed to encourage career officials to align with the administration’s goals rather than pursue their own agendas.
One major change is the abolition of the "Civilian Security, Human Rights, and Democracy" undersecretariat, known as "J." This office was seen as a hub for globalist policies, and its removal is viewed as a significant step toward prioritizing American interests. While some of its activities are mandated by Congress, Rubio plans to minimize their impact by assigning them as secondary duties to other officials.
The reorganization also includes a shift in how the Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) operates. Previously criticized for its role in facilitating illegal migration, PRM will now focus on keeping displaced persons in their regions rather than resettling them in the U.S.
Rubio’s plan aims to strengthen the geographic bureaus within the State Department, which are responsible for implementing the president’s foreign policy in different regions. Historically, these bureaus have lost influence to other agencies, but Rubio’s changes seek to restore their authority.
By cutting staff and offices, the administration hopes to reduce bureaucracy and improve efficiency. While some critics argue that the cuts could be deeper, the changes are seen as a significant step toward an America-First foreign policy. The administration believes that a leaner State Department will better serve U.S. interests abroad.
As these changes unfold, they could reshape the future of U.S. diplomacy and foreign relations. The success of this plan will depend on how well it aligns with the president’s broader goals and whether it can effectively address the challenges facing the nation on the global stage.