State Department staff shakeup accelerated ahead of Trump's inauguration, 2 sources say [View all]

Source: CBS News

Updated on: January 20, 2025 / 5:20 PM EST


A significant number of diplomats in leadership roles at the State Department were told to step aside just before President Trump took office, two sources tell CBS News.

The shakeup has affected at least 20 State Department officials, including career diplomats and political appointees serving in leadership roles, who received notification as early as Friday, sources familiar with the personnel changes told CBS News. All of the department's under secretaries and assistant secretaries — including those leading regional bureaus that coordinate how U.S. foreign relations is conducted in six world regions — have been instructed to step aside, the sources confirmed. The State Department has not commented.

While it is normal for a new administration to choose its own political appointees for various senior roles within the State Department, the extent and speed at which the current leadership has been terminated — including career officials — is shocking, the source said.

Experienced career diplomats have typically remained in senior roles while the new administration's picks for political appointees await Senate confirmation. A whole swath of leadership must now be replaced by foreign and civil service diplomats who don't necessarily have as much senior management experience, the source added.

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/state-department-staff-shakeup-accelerated-ahead-of-trump-inauguration/