The U.S. State Department has begun widespread layoffs after a recent Supreme Court ruling allowed the agency to move ahead with a planned reduction in force. An estimated 3,400 positions are set to be eliminated, with nearly 2,000 employees expected to be laid off following a round of voluntary resignations.
Deputy Secretary for Management Michael Rigas wrote an email to staff to let them know that direct communications would be made to affected individuals. “First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States.”
The department has modified its reduction-in-force policies to allow for more targeted layoffs based on location, job type, and skillsets, and, in certain instances, reduced the standard notice period.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the department’s intention to move forward with the layoffs and highlighting that Congress has been briefed on the plan. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated the move as a structural necessity, citing concerns about the agency’s size and effectiveness.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio to receive God’s wisdom as he heads the State Department and acts as National Security Advisor, Administrator of USAID, and Archivist of the U.S.
- For the government staff members and their families as they seek alternate employment.
- For discernment for President Trump and administration officials as they seek to reduce government waste and bureaucracy.
