State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the decision was not targeted at any individuals, but part of a necessary reform in the agency that has become too large to function. (File Photo)The US State Department has announced plans to lay off nearly 15 per cent of its domestic workforce, as part of a broader initiative to restructure the agency. A senior official said that was close to 1,800 people, as per The Guardian. The move is aimed at making the department leaner and more effective, as reported by NBC citing officials, though former diplomats and observers have raised concerns over the long-term impact on American diplomacy.According to a senior State Department official, the reorganisation has been delayed due to court orders and legal challenges, creating uncertainty for the employees. “That was not our intent. We want to move forward with this expeditiously, but obviously the administration has complied with all the court orders and injunctions,” the official told NBC News.Two former senior career diplomats expressed worry about the collective loss of institutional knowledge. They said the layoffs, many involving early retirements, could affect future recruitment and the overall effectiveness of the diplomatic corps.State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the decision was not targeted at any individuals, but part of a necessary reform in the agency that has become too large to function. “This is about making sure that the State Department is able to operate in a manner that makes it relevant and effective,” Bruce said Thursday, as per NBC News. “That is what the American people want. It’s what all of us want, and in this dynamic, that’s exactly what we’re achieving.”A senior official noted that as part of an executive order, the agency is evaluating its recruitment and retention strategies. However, a federal hiring freeze remains in place.Officials clarified that no embassy or consulate closures are currently on the table.(With inputs from The Guardian, NBC News)Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:US newsUS State Department