What the Memo Reveals

The 136-page reorganization memo outlines a vision of the State Department stripped of its traditional diplomatic, human rights, and cultural programs—and recast as a command-driven, security-first bureaucracy.

By July 1, the department plans to eliminate or consolidate:

Over 3,400 U.S.-based staff positions

Entire bureaus dedicated to conflict resolution, women’s rights, public diplomacy, and humanitarian coordination

Critical civilian outreach arms, like the Speakers Program and Global Health Diplomacy

From Civilian to Combatant Mindset

When Drop Site asked Rep. Mast whether this shift represents a militarization of the State Department, his answer was revealing.

“There’s still a Department of State and a Department of Defense,” he said. But then he added: “The State Department was doing a lot of things they shouldn’t have been doing… most of the items [in the rescissions package] were, trans this, trans that, lifestyle things, not life-saving things… political things, unwelcome in these areas.”

Budget Shifts Reveal the Priorities

The memo includes budget transfers that require no new legislation. Key increases include:

+ $744 million for Diplomatic Technology

+ $358 million for Personnel & Training

+ $54 million for management operations

Meanwhile, sharp cuts hit:

- $759 million from Consular Affairs

- $153 million from the Foreign Service Institute

- $34 million+ from public diplomacy offices

- $20 million from conflict stabilization

- $3.4 million from global justice programs

And yet, no congressional hearings are scheduled. No comment period has been opened. And none of the lawmakers interviewed by Drop Site have been briefed on the memo.