The large-scale exodus happens at a time when the department is looking to make more cuts and possible closure of foreign missions. The US State Department is experiencing colossal instability as more than 700 employees, more than 450 of whom are career diplomats, have quit within two months of 2025.
The large-scale exodus occurs at a time when the department is looking to make more cuts and possible closure of foreign missions. The resignations have sounded the alarm within the department, prompting a loss of experienced professionals, The New York Times said. Also, senior officials are weighing the option of shutting down some consulates abroad, mostly in Western Europe to cut expenses.
According to the outlet, the State Department is in disarray with widespread resignations. Prior to 2025, a total of only around 800 had resigned in one year. The resignations are mainly due to a mix of voluntary retirements and frustration over continuing staffing issues and political shifts under the Trump administration.
Besides, the attempts by the department to reduce its operating budget is also aggravating the problem. The reduced budget could result in increased layoffs, especially among local employees at US missions overseas.
Based on the report, a memo sent to Congress indicates that a dozen consulates, including Hamburg, Germany, and Florence, Italy, may be closed by the summer 2025. The closure is part of an effort to decrease the department’s overseas presence, as at the moment when US wants to pay more attention to domestic issues.
The State Department’s proposals to cut back its activities are triggering warnings of possible threats to national security. One of the most serious concerns is the CIA’s use of US embassies and consulates as cover for covert operations, with intelligence officers often operating under diplomatic cover. Closing down these diplomatic missions could severely limit the CIA’s ability to monitor key developments, especially in unstable areas.
Senior State Department officials worry about deep budget slashing and the departure of veteran diplomats. These concerns create uncertainty and make it harder for the department to sustain worldwide diplomatic efforts, even as global influence and security concerns expand.
