The State Department may close nearly 30 embassies and consulates worldwide as part of a sweeping $26 billion budget cut aimed at slashing the federal deficit.
At a Glance
- The Trump administration is considering closing dozens of US embassies and consulates to cut spending by up to $26 billion
- Proposed closures include 17 consulates in countries like the UK, France, Germany, and 10 embassies in locations such as Malta and the Maldives
- The plan includes $4.5 billion in cuts from diplomatic engagement and $21.5 billion from foreign assistance
- Proposal suggests eliminating funding for the United Nations and NATO while cutting humanitarian programs by 50%
- No closures have been officially announced yet as the plan remains in preliminary stages
Major Diplomatic Restructuring
The State Department is drafting plans for a substantial restructuring of America’s diplomatic presence worldwide, potentially closing approximately 30 embassies and consulates. According to internal documents, the proposed changes target 17 consulates in major allies including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, along with 10 embassies in smaller nations such as Malta, the Maldives, and several African countries. The proposal also aims to consolidate multiple consular outposts in countries like Japan and Canada into single locations to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Critical facilities in Iraq face particular scrutiny, with the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center and operations in Erbil slated for potential closure or significant reductions. Security operations and diplomatic presence in unstable regions could be dramatically altered if these changes are implemented. The plan also affects “embassies in exile” that currently serve Venezuelan and Yemeni interests, potentially disrupting diplomatic relations with these nations during politically sensitive times.
Budget Cutting Details
The proposed budget cuts total approximately $26 billion, with $4.5 billion coming from diplomatic engagement and a much larger $21.5 billion from foreign assistance programs. The Office of Management and Budget has recommended allocating $28.4 billion for agency operations in the coming fiscal year, while also implementing $20.4 billion in rescissions from previously appropriated funds. These numbers represent one of the most significant reductions to State Department funding in recent memory.
“The President has made it clear that he is committed to cutting the federal deficit and improving the return on investment for the American people,” a State Department spokesperson stated in response to inquiries about the proposed cuts.
International funding faces severe reductions under the proposal, including potentially eliminating contributions to the United Nations and NATO while slashing humanitarian and global health programs by 50%. In their place, the administration has proposed creating an “America First Opportunities Fund” for fiscal year 2026, allocating $2.1 billion for strategic priorities that better align with direct American interests.
Concerns and Criticisms
The proposed closures have raised concerns among some foreign policy experts and officials regarding America’s global presence and influence. Critics suggest these cuts could leave diplomatic vacuums that rivals like China and Russia might fill. Humanitarian concerns have also emerged, particularly regarding the potential impact on vulnerable populations in regions like northern Iraq where American presence has provided stability.
“Reductions to the footprint in Iraq are a long time coming but ‘drastic’ measures at Erbil could truly jeopardize the lives of countless Christians and Yazidis,” one former US Agency for International Development (USAID) official warned.
Some Democrats have already voiced opposition to the plan, with Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Jeanne Shaheen expressing concerns about diminishing America’s diplomatic capabilities. However, supporters of the administration maintain that these changes represent necessary fiscal responsibility and a refocusing of American priorities after years of expanding international commitments with questionable returns for taxpayers.
Timeline and Implementation
Despite the detailed planning documents that have emerged, State Department officials emphasize that no final decisions have been made. Current operations continue as normal at all embassies and consulates worldwide. A State Department spokesperson cautioned that reports on internal memos might contain inaccuracies, noting that budget discussions remain in preliminary stages. The final authority for budget decisions rests with the White House, and any official changes will be reflected in the President’s Budget Request to Congress.
“We are cleaning up the mess the previous administration left and rebuilding an agency that’s focused on putting America First,” Rubio stated regarding the proposed restructuring efforts.
The administration continues to emphasize its commitment to deficit reduction while maintaining essential diplomatic functions. Details of how consular services for American citizens abroad might be affected by these closures remain unclear, though officials suggest alternative arrangements would be made to ensure citizens retain access to vital services even if physical locations are consolidated or closed.
