Closing US Embassies: Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

 The New York Times published on 15 April 2025 an article titled "State Dept. Expands Plans for Closing Embassies and Consulates" by Karoun Demirjian.

The New York Times has viewed an internal State Department memo that says the Trump administration is considering plans to close 10 embassies and 17 consulates and reduce or consolidate the staff of several other foreign missions.  Six of the embassies up for closure are in Africa (Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan) and two in Europe (Luxembourg and Malta) as well as Grenada and the Maldives.  Most of the consulates are in Europe.

Comment:  If these closures are carried out, China will have wider diplomatic representation globally than the United States.  Beijing currently has an embassy in all 54 African countries except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan. This puts China ahead of the United States today in Africa.  Closing six more US embassies in Africa will leave Washington at a distinct disadvantage.  Gambia has the same voting power in the UN General Assembly as the United States or China. For minimal savings, the Trump administration would alienate ten countries.  The party goes on in Beijing and Moscow.  

Downsizing Oversees State Department Missions: Trim but Don't Eliminate Embassies

The National Interest published on 19 March 2025 a commentary titled "Trim Embassies, Don't Close Them" by Ronald Neumann and Gregory Starr. 

As the Trump administration reduces US diplomatic and consular representation abroad, the authors argue persuasively that some consulates can be closed but America's 173 embassies should be retained although some staff can be trimmed.

Downsizing the US Department of State

 The New York Times published on 6 March 2025 an article titled "State Dept. Plans to Close Diplomatic Missions and Fire Employees" by Edward Wong and Mark Mazzetti.

The State Department has been hemorrhaging senior staff since the beginning of this year.  The Trump administration is looking to cut staffing by as much as 20 percent.  A dozen consulates, mostly in Western Europe, are on the chopping block.  Locally hired staff may be hit especially hard by the firings.  Embassies are also reportedly under discussion for closure.