A leaked executive order reveals plans to shut down embassies across Africa and dismantle bureaus focused on democracy, human rights, and refugees
President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that would drastically reshape the U.S. State Department, eliminating almost all operations in Africa and shutting down multiple bureaus dedicated to democracy, human rights, and refugee issues, according to a draft document obtained by multiple news outlets. The sweeping changes, if implemented, would represent one of the most significant restructurings of America's diplomatic apparatus since the State Department's founding in 1789.
Key Elements of the Proposed Overhaul
The 16-page draft executive order, which could be signed by President Trump within days, outlines a "disciplined reorganization" of the State Department aimed at "streamlining mission delivery" while cutting "waste, fraud and abuse," according to the document reviewed by The New York Times and Bloomberg. The proposed changes are scheduled to take effect by October 1, 2025.
Among the most dramatic proposals is the elimination of the Bureau of African Affairs, which currently oversees U.S. policy in sub-Saharan Africa. In its place would be a smaller special envoy office reporting directly to the White House National Security Council. The plan calls for closing "non-essential" embassies and consulates across Africa, replacing permanent diplomatic missions with "targeted, mission-driven deployments" Telegraph1.
"The draft also calls for cutting offices at State Department headquarters that address climate change and refugee issues, as well as democracy and human rights concerns," reports The New York Times NYT2.
Additionally, the order proposes eliminating the position of special envoy for climate, removing the bureau overseeing democracy and human rights issues, closing the department handling refugees and migration, and shuttering the Office of Global Women's Issues.
Diplomatic Footprint Reduction and Embassy Closures
According to a separate internal State Department document reported by CNN and African News, nearly 30 embassies and consulates worldwide could be closed—over half of which are in Africa. Specifically mentioned for potential closure are embassies in Lesotho, Eritrea, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, The Gambia, and South Sudan AfricanNews3.
"All Canada operations would also be moved to a new North American Affairs Office, which would fall under the remit of Marco Rubio, the secretary of state. This would be run by a 'significantly reduced team,'" according to The Telegraph, which also reports the U.S. embassy in Ottawa would face severe cuts.
Official Reactions and Denials
Shortly after reports of the draft order emerged, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the revelations as "fake news" in a brief social media post. Neither the State Department nor the White House National Security Council provided immediate substantial comment on the draft order.
The proposed changes align with a broader initiative from the White House's Office of Management and Budget, which recently suggested cutting the State Department's budget by nearly 50% and slashing foreign aid by approximately 75%.
Congressional Response and Potential Challenges
Some of the proposed changes outlined in the draft document would require congressional notification and would likely face challenges from lawmakers. According to The New York Times, substantial portions of the executive order, if officials attempted to implement them, would probably face lawsuits.
The House Oversight Committee recently advanced H.R. 1295, the Reorganizing Government Act of 2025, which would give the President expanded authority to propose government reorganization plans that Congress must vote on within 90 days House Oversight Committee4.
Democratic lawmakers have already expressed opposition to the proposed changes. "Van Hollen, Shaheen, SFRC Democrats [have called the] plan for USAID illegal, unconstitutional [and stated the] broader restructuring threatens national security," according to a press release from Senator Van Hollen's office.
Implications for U.S.-Africa Relations
Experts warn that significantly reducing America's diplomatic presence in Africa could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. influence and interests on the continent.
"The policy shifts away from long-term foreign aid by demanding quid pro quo measures, such as access to minerals and other economic concessions rather than supporting countries' public services," notes Politico in an analysis of the administration's Africa approach Politico5.
Critics, including former State Department officials, worry that the drastic cutbacks could diminish America's ability to counter China's growing influence across Africa. "There is concern that reducing U.S. aid may actually increase the risk of larger conflicts and global health crises by pulling back on critical support mechanisms," Politico reports.
Tibor Nagy, a former assistant secretary of State for Africa, expressed concerns about the fundamental changes in U.S. policy toward the continent. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) critiqued the administration's unilateral moves, warning of broader implications for U.S. diplomatic credibility.
Broader State Department Changes
The draft order also signals dramatic changes to how the State Department operates internally. The document reportedly outlines plans to end the foreign service exam—a longstanding entry requirement for prospective diplomats—and sets out new hiring criteria that includes "alignment with the president's foreign policy vision."
These changes come as the administration has already begun implementing significant alterations to how the State Department approaches human rights reporting. According to The New Republic, the department "will no longer include criticisms of poor prison conditions, government corruption, or political processes that are restrictive in its reports on international human rights" New Republic6.
What's Next?
The executive order could be signed by President Trump within days, though elements of the proposal could still change before final White House review. If signed as currently drafted, the State Department would need to implement the changes by October 1, 2025.
The restructuring would significantly alter the State Department's workforce, which currently includes some 13,000 members of the Foreign Service, 11,000 Civil Service employees, and 45,000 locally employed staff at more than 270 diplomatic missions worldwide.
As this dramatic overhaul moves forward, questions remain about how effectively the United States will maintain its diplomatic influence on the global stage, particularly in regions where China and Russia are expanding their presence. Will this restructuring make American diplomacy more efficient, or will it diminish U.S. soft power around the world?
