Trump Administration Orders Revamp of U.S. Foreign Service Aligned with “America First”

President Donald Trump has initiated a significant overhaul of U.S. foreign aid and diplomatic operations, aiming to align them with his "America First" agenda. The president's executive order, titled "One Voice for America's Foreign Relations," mandates a freeze on most foreign aid to ensure adherence to this policy. The directive also obligates the State Department to revamp its Foreign Affairs Manual, a crucial document outlining operational policies and procedures. This move comes as part of broader efforts to ensure the faithful implementation of Trump's foreign policy.

In recent weeks, approximately 60 contractors at the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor have faced termination. This development raises concerns about potential further cuts in other bureaus. Meanwhile, U.S. embassies worldwide have been instructed to prepare for staff reductions, affecting both diplomats and local employees. Notably, most embassy staff are sourced from host countries, according to the National Museum of American Diplomacy.

The State Department, under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has declined to comment on these internal personnel matters. However, a spokesperson stated that the department continues to evaluate its global posture to address contemporary challenges effectively.

"The State Department continues to assess our global posture to ensure we are best positioned to address modern challenges on behalf of the American people," – A spokesperson

The executive order emphasizes the importance of a dedicated workforce, underscoring that failure to comply with the president's agenda could result in professional discipline, including dismissal from roles.

"The Secretary must maintain an exceptional workforce of patriots to implement this policy effectively," – The order

The potential revamp of the Foreign Affairs Manual signifies a comprehensive review of how the State Department operates. This manual plays a pivotal role in guiding the department's function and implementation of foreign policy. As part of the broader strategy, Secretary Rubio is tasked with ensuring that U.S. embassies operate efficiently and in alignment with the administration's goals.