Over 1,300 State Department employees were laid off, raising concerns about diplomatic impacts.

Over 1,300 State Department employees were laid off in July as part of a reorganization plan under the Trump administration. The layoffs affected staff working on intelligence, energy interests abroad, competition with China, and visa fraud. Despite being fired, employees were seen off with hugs and applause from their colleagues as they left headquarters. The move has raised concerns about the impact on critical diplomatic work.