[Text/Observer Network Chen Sijia] Local time on April 22, US Secretary of State Rubio announced the comprehensive reorganization of the US Department of State to reduce staff and costs and implement US President Trump's "America First" policy. According to the Associated Press, the first phase of the reorganization plan will abolish 132 institutions and cut about 15% of employees domestically in the United States.

Rubio posted on social platform X: "This day has come. Under the leadership of the president and my guidance, we are changing the bloated bureaucracy and bureaucratism that have persisted at the Department of State for decades. These comprehensive reforms will enable our diplomats to put America and Americans first."

Rubio also stated in a statement that the United States is facing the challenge of "great power competition," but the Department of State is "suppressing creativity, lacking accountability, and sometimes openly harming American interests." He claimed that the "extreme ideologues and bureaucratic elements" within the Department of State are busy advancing their own agendas, which often conflict with the agenda of the US president.

"The size and cost of the Department of State have continued to expand over the past fifteen years, yet it has long been unable to fulfill its basic diplomatic functions," Rubio wrote. "The problem is not due to insufficient funding, nor even a lack of talent, but rather a system that takes too much time, costs too much money, involves too many individuals, and ultimately fails to meet the needs of the American public."

He claimed that the reorganization plan aims to eliminate the "bloated bureaucratic quagmire" within the Department of State, ensuring that each institution and office within the Department has clear responsibilities and tasks. "If there are matters related to Africa, they will be handled by the Bureau of African Affairs. Economic policies will be managed by the Assistant Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment, and security assistance and arms control will be managed by the Assistant Secretary for Arms Control and International Security."

US Secretary of State Rubio Visual China

The Associated Press, CNN and other media obtained documents showing that the first phase of the Department of State's reorganization plan will cut approximately 15% of employees domestically in the United States. A senior official at the Department of State revealed that Washington DC is expected to cut about 700 positions.

Rubio plans to abolish 132 institutions, reducing the number of offices from 734 to 602. Some offices dealing with human rights and diversity will be closed or merged into other institutions. The Department of State will also relocate the office locations of 137 institutions to improve efficiency.

CNN cited examples such as the position of Under Secretary of State for Civilian Safety, Democracy, and Human Rights being abolished, and institutions like the Office of Global Criminal Justice and the Bureau of Conflict and Stability Operations being dissolved. Institutions responsible for refugees, religious freedom, and combating human trafficking will be merged into the Office of Foreign Assistance and Humanitarian Affairs Coordination.

At the same time, the Department of State will establish some new institutions, including an office to address so-called "emerging threats."

CNN cited senior officials' messages stating that the Department of State has informed Congress of the reorganization plan. Florida Republican Representative and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Brian Mast praised this reform plan, believing that it would make the Department of State "more streamlined and efficient, ensuring that every dollar and diplomat puts America first."

However, most Democrats oppose it. New York Democratic Representative and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Gregory Meeks said: "The key positions to be cut on Rubio's list are important pillars of foreign policy that have long been jointly supported by Democrats and Republicans, not the 'radical ideology' he now claims."

New Hampshire Democratic Senator and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jeanne Shaheen, stated that she would carefully review the proposed reform plan. "These reforms must be closely coordinated with Congress and comply with the law... I will ask Rubio to fulfill his commitment to appear before our committee to exchange views on the future of the Department of State with Congress."

A spokesperson for the Department of State, Tammy Bruce, stated that the reorganization plan is unrelated to the "Department of Government Efficiency." The relevant proposal is a roadmap, and specific details may still change. She emphasized that closing institutions focused on specific issues does not mean that the Department of State will stop all work related to those issues. A senior official at the Department of State told Reuters that Under Secretary-level officials will have 30 days to evaluate the layoff plan.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496314632538309160/

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