The United States is considering the closure of approximately 30 embassies and consulates worldwide, primarily in Western Europe, as part of a major restructuring of its diplomatic operations.
This move is driven by a 20% cut to the State Department’s budget and a broader initiative to streamline foreign service operations. The budget is set to drop by nearly half, from $54.4 billion in 2025 to $28.4 billion in 2026.
The proposed closures mainly affect diplomatic missions in Africa and Europe, including embassies in Eritrea, Luxembourg, South Sudan, and Malta, as well as consulates in cities such as Edinburgh, Scotland. An internal memo also recommends consolidating operations at multi-mission posts, including those affiliated with international organizations like UNESCO in Paris.
These changes are influenced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which aims to streamline federal operations. The plan also calls for dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), with its responsibilities to be absorbed by the State Department.
While the administration emphasizes fiscal responsibility, critics warn that such cuts could weaken the U.S. diplomatic presence and diminish global influence. The final decision rests with Congress, which has previously resisted similar budget reductions.