By Sama Marwan,
The New York Times has revealed a proposed executive order from the White House aimed at a radical restructuring of the U.S. State Department, which includes eliminating nearly all of its operations in Africa and shutting down embassies and consulates across the continent. The proposed order also calls for downsizing many offices within the department’s headquarters, particularly those dealing with climate change, refugees, democracy, and human rights.
The newspaper stated that the executive order, which President Donald Trump may sign later this week, aims to impose a “disciplined reorganization” of the department, streamline its operations, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, according to a 16-page draft of the order obtained by the Times. Under the proposal, the State Department would be expected to implement these changes by October.
According to current and former U.S. officials familiar with the plan, signing the executive order would be accompanied by efforts to lay off a significant number of professional diplomats, known as Foreign Service officers, in addition to civil servants who typically work at the department’s headquarters in Washington. The officials said the department would start placing large numbers of employees on paid leave, as well as issuing notices of termination.
The newspaper added that the anticipated order also calls for eliminating the Foreign Service Exam, a long-standing requirement for entry into diplomatic service, and includes the establishment of new hiring criteria aligned with the President’s vision for foreign policy.
The draft order also states that the department must significantly expand its use of artificial intelligence technologies to help with document drafting, policy development and review, and operational planning.
