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5mo ago

Leaked Trump Draft Outlines Sweeping State Department Overhaul

The draft proposes major cuts, embassy closures, and reorganization under the 'America First' doctrine, though its authenticity is disputed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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The State Department seal is seen on the briefing room lectern ahead of a briefing by State Department spokesperson Ned Price at the State Department in Washington, Monday, Janu 31, 2022.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio denies the report that President Donald Trump has drafted an executive order to overhaul the State Department.

Overview

  • A leaked draft executive order proposes a radical restructuring of the State Department, including consolidating regional bureaus into four 'regional corps' and closing non-essential embassies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The plan would eliminate offices focused on climate change, refugees, democracy, and human rights, as well as diversity-based fellowships and the Foreign Service exam.
  • Diplomatic operations in Canada would be sharply reduced, with the establishment of a smaller North American Affairs Office under Secretary Marco Rubio's oversight.
  • The Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance would absorb USAID functions, further centralizing foreign aid under State Department control.
  • Secretary Rubio has publicly dismissed the draft as 'fake news,' though it has circulated widely among diplomats and sparked significant concern within the department.