In a significant development for U.S. foreign policy and government operations, the State Department has announced plans to lay off nearly 15% of its domestic staff. This move comes amidst a sweeping restructuring effort that involves merging or dissolving hundreds of agencies, following a recent Supreme Court decision that sided with the Trump administration.

The decision to reduce the workforce and reorganize agencies marks one of the most substantial shifts in the department’s structure in recent years. Officials say the goal is to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs in an era of changing diplomatic priorities and budget constraints.

The Supreme Court’s ruling played a pivotal role in enabling this overhaul. By affirming legal authority for certain administrative actions taken during the Trump administration, the court cleared the way for extensive restructuring efforts that had been previously stalled or challenged.

However, the announcement has raised concerns among employees, advocacy groups, and some policymakers. Nearly 15% of domestic staff—potentially thousands of workers—face layoffs, which could impact the department’s capacity to handle diplomatic missions, consular services, and other critical functions.

This major shake-up reflects broader trends within the federal government to optimize operations amid political and fiscal pressures. Yet, it also underscores the delicate balance between efficiency and maintaining a robust diplomatic infrastructure.