US plans to cut staff at embassies around the world

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

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

The cuts affect both American and local staff at embassies.

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 US State Department employees to comply with his administration's foreign policy and clearly stipulating disciplinary measures if they do not comply.

The order, titled “A Voice for America’s Foreign Relations,” emphasizes that the State Department must maintain an “exceptional patriotic workforce” to effectively carry out foreign policy initiatives.

The document also calls for a restructuring of the apparatus, not only through personnel adjustments but also through changes to facilities and operating procedures. This could lead to major changes in the State Department's operating rules as well as the US diplomatic presence abroad.

If fully implemented, the order could shrink the US diplomatic presence in some countries, reconsider membership in international organizations and withdraw from some diplomatic agreements.

The Trump administration could face a legal challenge to the order, but US law gives the secretary of state significant authority over 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 heads of missions to complain that they lack the staff needed to oversee aid programs that are still operating.

In addition, the Trump administration has laid off several contractors who handled critical embassy duties, 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