U.S. State Department Announces Comprehensive Restructuring Plan

According to Odaily, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio announced on the 22nd a comprehensive restructuring plan for the State Department aimed at streamlining personnel and reducing costs, in line with U.S. President Donald Trump's 'America First' foreign policy. Rubio stated that the U.S. is facing significant global challenges and that the current State Department is too bureaucratic and inefficient to fulfill its diplomatic mission in the era of major power competition. The restructuring plan seeks to modernize the State Department to better advance America's core national interests. Reports from U.S. media indicate that the first phase of the restructuring will involve a 15% reduction in staff within the United States and the closure of 132 offices. Approximately 700 positions are expected to be cut in Washington, D.C., with some agencies related to democracy, human rights, and diversity being shut down. Concurrently, new agencies will be established, including a department focused on addressing 'emerging threats,' with an emphasis on cybersecurity and the proliferation of artificial intelligence.