About This Trend
The State Department is the United States federal executive department responsible for the nation's foreign policy and international relations.
Why is it trending?
The State Department is trending due to the recent layoffs of over 1,300 staffers as part of a reorganization plan initiated by the Trump administration. This massive reduction in the workforce, which will total nearly 3,000 including voluntary departures, has sparked controversy and criticism from Democrats and former diplomats. Former U.S. diplomats have expressed bafflement and concern over the layoffs, while former U.S. ambassador to NATO has discussed the implications of downsizing the State Department. The layoffs have also been covered extensively by media outlets, with many reporting on the potential impact on the department's ability to address policy challenges such as COVID-19.