US plans to cut staff at embassies around the world

(CLO) The US State Department has instructed embassies around the world to begin planning for staff reductions starting February 12.

Senior officials at embassies are required to compile a complete list of all staff, including information on their employment status, applicable to those working on long-term, short-term, and temporary contracts.

This layoff order affects both American and local staff at embassies.

The US Embassy in Havana, Cuba. Photo: CC/Wiki

The decision was made just before President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the afternoon of February 12, requiring State Department employees to adhere to his administration's foreign policy, while also outlining disciplinary measures for non-compliance.

The executive order, titled "One Voice for American Foreign Relations," emphasizes that the State Department must maintain an "exceptional patriotic workforce" to effectively implement foreign policy initiatives.

The document also mentions restructuring the apparatus, not only through personnel adjustments but also changes to infrastructure and operational procedures. This could lead to major changes in the operating rules of the State Department as well as the U.S. diplomatic presence abroad.

If fully implemented, this order could narrow the U.S. diplomatic presence in some countries, reconsider membership in international organizations, and withdraw from certain diplomatic agreements.

The Trump administration may face legal challenges related to the executive order, but U.S. law grants the Secretary of State considerable authority in managing the agency's personnel.

Over the past two weeks, many U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staff at embassies have been placed on administrative leave, leading some ambassadors and mission leaders to complain that they lack the necessary personnel to oversee ongoing aid programs.

In addition, the Trump administration has fired many contractors who handled critical tasks at the embassy, ​​including diplomatic security, and is considering further staff cuts.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, ABC News)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/my-se-cat-giam-nhan-vien-tai-cac-dai-su-quan-tren-toan-cau-post334280.html