A draft executive order from the Trump administration proposes a radical restructuring of the U.S. State Department.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration’s draft executive order seeks to reduce diplomatic presence in Canada and Africa.
- Sub-Saharan embassies may close, and regional bureaus are to consolidate into new “regional corps.”
- The proposed order aims to eliminate several offices, including those focused on women’s rights and climate change.
- The State Department denies the validity of the draft, dismissing reports as “fake news.”
Proposed State Department Overhaul
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a significant overhaul of the U.S. State Department. Central to this overhaul is the “America First Strategic Doctrine,” which includes restructuring embassies and reducing diplomatic staff.
The draft executive order, detailed over 16 pages, outlines plans to close non-essential embassies in sub-Saharan Africa and consolidate regional bureaus into four bigger “regional corps.” These changes aim to focus more on counterterrorism and resource extraction rather than on previous diplomatic priorities.
Trump Administration Draft Order Calls for Drastic Overhaul of State Department:
The draft executive order to be signed by President Trump would eliminate #Africa operations and shut down bureaus working on #democracy, #humanrights and #refugee issues. https://t.co/25fLiRFsJm— Skip Dillard (@mixcom) April 20, 2025
Dismissal of the Draft by Officials
Despite the availability of the draft, the State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have dismissed the document as “fake news,” claiming the reported changes are based on false information.
Concerns are mounting among diplomats and congressional leaders, who worry about the effects such changes may have, particularly regarding how artificial intelligence might replace human roles in diplomacy.
A draft White House executive order proposes a drastic restructuring of the State Department, including eliminating almost all of its Africa operations and shutting down embassies and consulates across the continent. https://t.co/A8EvW1p3Ih
— Abdi Latif Dahir (@Lattif) April 20, 2025
Impact on Africa and Global Influence
The potential closure of embassies in Africa and the proposed replacement of the African Affairs bureau with a special envoy could open doors for other global powers to increase their influence in the region. Already, Kremlin-backed groups and Chinese officials have started expanding their presence in Africa.
Many critics argue that a reduced diplomatic presence may disrupt essential services for Americans abroad, such as passport services and birth registrations, contributing to broader international instability. The plan is, one diplomat told Politico, “bonkers crazypants.”
Sources:
- ‘Bonkers crazypants’: American diplomats shaken by reports of possible cuts – POLITICO
- Diplomats Are Freaking Out About Donald Trump’s Leaked Executive Order
- Trump draft executive order would make sweeping changes to the U.S. State Department – DNyuz
