According to CNN, this move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at reducing the size of the federal government and trimming the budget of the U.S. Department of State.
PBS
Since the conclusion of the 2024 presidential elections and the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, the new administration's policy decisions have sparked significant domestic and international scrutiny. In just a few months, the Trump administration has introduced a series of controversial measures — including the imposition of reciprocal tariffs and cuts to humanitarian aid — that have raised concerns among both American citizens and global partners.
One of the most significant developments this month is the administration’s reported plan to close nearly 30 overseas U.S. embassies and consulates. According to CNN, this move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at reducing the size of the federal government and trimming the budget of the U.S. Department of State. The proposed closures come amid growing speculation about America’s shifting role on the world stage under Trump’s “America First” policy.
An internal State Department document obtained by CNN reportedly recommends the closure of 10 embassies and 17 consulates, with a particular focus on posts in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Countries mentioned in the list include Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
In addition, the document outlines plans to close several U.S. consulates: five in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in the United Kingdom, one in South Africa, and one in South Korea. The New York Times has further reported that the U.S. Embassy in the Maldives is also among those slated for closure, a move that could significantly impact diplomatic relations with the island nation.
While the news of these closures has made international headlines, it remains unclear whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio has officially approved the plan. Analysts note that such closures, if implemented, could reduce America's diplomatic footprint and diminish its global influence.
