Progressive Projects Slashed as State Dept. Returns to Mission Focus
By Byron York | The Washington Examiner
A SENSIBLE LOOK AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT CUTS. On Friday, the Trump administration laid off about 1,350 employees at the State Department. A number of news reports described the staff cuts as “devastating.” Others suggested that the downsizing will endanger U.S. national security. The New York Times said the cuts “demote longtime U.S. values,” while the Washington Post said they “will degrade America’s standing in the world and curb U.S. soft power.”
First, a little perspective. According to State Department documents, the total number of department employees has grown significantly over the years. In 2007, there were 57,340. By 2015, there were 72,895. By 2024, there were 80,214. That is an increase of 22,874 employees over 17 years. After the ...