Over 130 Former Diplomats Slam State Department Overhaul Plan

More than 130 retired diplomats and former senior U.S. officials issued an open letter Thursday condemning a sweeping overhaul of the State Department that could result in thousands of job cuts.

“We strongly condemn Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announced decision to implement sweeping staff reductions and reorganization at the U.S. Department of State,” the letter stated.

Among the signatories were dozens of former ambassadors and high-ranking officials, including Susan Rice, national security adviser under President Barack Obama.

The timing of the proposed cuts remains uncertain, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on the Trump administration’s appeal to lift a judicial order blocking the layoffs.

The administration first notified Congress in late May of its intent to restructure the diplomatic corps, a plan that could eliminate thousands of positions—including hundreds from the elite Foreign Service—at a time of intensifying geopolitical rivalry with nations like China and Russia.

An initial round of termination notices was postponed after a federal judge temporarily blocked the reorganization on June 13.

The restructuring is part of President Trump’s broader effort to shrink the federal government, cut what he deems unnecessary spending, and realign agencies with his “America First” agenda.

“At a time when the United States faces unprecedented challenges from strategic competitors, ongoing conflicts, and emerging security threats, Secretary Rubio’s decision to gut the State Department’s institutional knowledge and operational capacity is reckless,” the former officials warned.