Trump administration weighs 30 embassies in key regions, including Iraq, UK, Germany | Today news

The Trump administration is reportedly considering the closure of nearly 30 embassies and consulates worldwide, which is a significant potential shift in America’s diplomatic attitude. According to a document from the internal government department obtained by CNN, the proposal recommends joining 10 embassies and 17 consulates, with the majority of affected positions in Europe and Africa, but also missions in Asia and the Caribbean. Among the embassies earmarked for closure are those in Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and Southern Sudan. The consulates recommended for closure include five in France, two in Germany, two in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as posts in the United Kingdom, South Africa and South Korea. The document suggests that the responsibilities of these closed missions would be accepted by neighboring embassies and thus consolidate the overseas presence of the United States. The proposals form part of a broader expected review of the State Department, powered by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency. This initiative aims to dramatically reduce the size and cost of the federal government’s international operations. The document also recommends reducing the US diplomatic footprint in Iraq and Somalia countries central to US counter-terrorism efforts and to “change” other missions, possibly by implementing “flex-style” posts with minimal staff and consolidation of consular support at greater missions such as in Japan and Canada. At present, it remains unclear whether Foreign Minister Marco Rubio has given formal approval to these recommendations. The administration announced only ambassadorial nominees for two of the embassies closed for closure – Malta and Luxembourg. State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce refused to comment on the leaked document or the broader plans to reduce, and requested to give inquiries to the White House as the budget’s summit continued. The potential closures raised concerns the important role that embassies and consulates play in providing consular services, supporting US citizens abroad and serving as key instruments of US foreign policy, especially in an era characterized by strategic competition with world forces such as China. – Adapted from CNN Reporting First Published: 20 Apr 2025, 09:56 PM IST