The Bulletin in Bend, Oregon reprinted on 29 July 2025 a commentary originally published in the Chicago Tribune titled "Burning Down America's Best Tool for Peace and Prosperity" by Elisabeth Shakelford, Dartmouth.
The author makes the case against the recent major cuts in State Department staffing instituted by DOGE. She argues that diplomacy is the least expensive way to resolve or mitigate global crises.
HuffPost published on 26 July 2025 an article titled "Trump Is Gutting the State Department and Dragging Diplomats 'Through the Mud'" by Akbar Shahid Ahmed.
The State Department recently fired more than 1,300 personnel and provided incentives for another 1,500 to quit. It also has a hiring freeze in effect so that new staff cannot be added.
The article suggests that the firings are party ideologically motivated. The demonizing of civil service and foreign service staff has sunk morale. The author concludes that the State Department will likely be left "to wither" for the remainder of Trump's term.
Federal News Network posted on 25 July 2025 an article titled "These Are the State Department Offices Hit Hardest by Widespread Layoffs" by Jory Heckman.
The State Department fired 1,350 employees earlier this month. This is a detailed account of the number of fired employees in 31 bureaus and offices according to civil service or foreign service status.
china-africa relations
