State Department launches second round of deferred resignations

Robert Besser
03 May 2025, 17:22 GMT+10

The U.S. State Department has started a second round of its "deferred resignation" program, according to an internal email and two officials
This is part of President Trump’s effort to align the agency with his "America First" goals
The email, dated April 25, came just after Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Department "bloated and bureaucratic." Rubio wants to shut down over 100 offices and cut staff by 15 percent

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. State Department has started a second round of its "deferred resignation" program, according to an internal email and two officials.

This is part of President Trump's effort to align the agency with his "America First" goals.

The email, dated April 25, came just after Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Department "bloated and bureaucratic." Rubio wants to shut down over 100 offices and cut staff by 15 percent.

This is part of a larger plan by Trump and his advisor, Elon Musk, to shrink the federal government, which they say wastes taxpayer money. Thousands of government workers have already been laid off.

The email, signed by Jose Cunningham (who is currently handling management duties), said the program gives staff a chance to make choices about their futures. Employees have until May 5 to apply.

The State Department has not commented yet.

Earlier this month, several government agencies offered buyouts to reduce staff, continuing a program that had started before Musk's mass layoffs. Around 75,000 workers took the first offer.

In February, Trump ordered Rubio to overhaul the Foreign Service and the way the State Department works to ensure it supports his agenda. A report shared by Rubio online says 700 jobs will be cut in closed offices.

Since the announcement, some departments—like those handling U.S. climate policy—have already been told they're shutting down.

Rubio told NBC's Meet the Press that these changes are about saving money and making the department more effective and responsive.

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