The Trump administration is reportedly exploring the closure of nearly 30 U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe, part of an effort to streamline the federal government’s international presence as the ongoing tariff war intensifies.
According to an internal document from the State Department, reviewed by CNN, the proposal outlines the potential shuttering of 10 embassies and 17 consulates, primarily in Europe and Africa.
Diplomatic outposts on the list for closure include embassies in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
Additionally, several consulates are under review, including those in France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and South Korea.
While these closures are expected to reduce the U.S. diplomatic footprint, responsibilities from these posts would be shifted to nearby missions to ensure continued diplomatic coverage.
The proposal also suggests reducing U.S. diplomatic presence in volatile regions like Iraq and Somalia.
As part of this strategy, the document includes the creation of “FLEX-style light footprint posts,” which would operate with minimal staffing and fewer responsibilities.
In addition, consolidating consulate services into specialized units at larger missions in countries like Japan and Canada is being considered to maximize efficiency.
Despite the detailed recommendations, the approval of these closures remains uncertain.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to confirm the authenticity of the document during a recent press briefing, urging reporters to consult the White House for more information.
She also dismissed some of the circulating reports as speculative, attributing them to “leaked documents from unknown sources.”
The document indicates that the posts targeted for closure were evaluated based on several criteria, including consular workload, cost efficiency, facility conditions, security assessments, and input from regional bureaus and interagency feedback.
The proposed reductions aim to optimize U.S. diplomatic missions without sacrificing effectiveness.
While the closure plan is presented as a cost-saving measure in line with the administration’s budgetary goals, critics argue that reducing America’s overseas presence could diminish its global influence.
Foreign policy experts warn that such a move could limit the U.S.’s ability to engage diplomatically and respond to crises, particularly as rival powers like China and Russia expand their influence in key regions.
Embassies and consulates serve vital roles in U.S. foreign policy, including visa processing, assisting American citizens abroad, and gathering intelligence.
They are also essential for representing U.S. interests globally, particularly in regions where strategic influence is contested.
However, many consulates operate with small workforces, potentially minimizing the immediate impact of potential closures.
