The Trump administration is considering closing 30 US diplomatic missions worldwide, including embassies in Malta, Luxembourg, and South Sudan. This dramatic scaling back of America’s global footprint comes as part of a sweeping effort to downsize the nation’s diplomatic presence.
According to officials familiar with the plans, the proposed closures would affect 10 embassies and 17 consulates, predominantly in Europe and Africa. The move represents one of the most significant reductions in American diplomatic presence in decades.
Among the targeted facilities are two U.S. consulates in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “The kinds of numbers and what we tend to see is reporting that is early or wrong, based on leaked documents from somewhere unknown,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce cautioned when asked about the closures.
The financial implications are staggering. The proposed budget for the State Department in fiscal year 2026 stands at $28.4 billion, slashed by $26 billion from the previous year’s allocation. Such drastic cuts would fundamentally reshape America’s diplomatic capabilities.
Beyond embassy closures, the administration plans to cut nearly 50% of the State Department’s budget, including funding for international organizations like the United Nations and NATO. “There is no final plan, final budget, final dynamic. That is up to the White House and the president of the United States as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they will submit to Congress,” Bruce emphasized.
Critics warn these reductions could significantly diminish America’s global influence at a time when international cooperation faces numerous challenges. The proposed cuts would affect not only diplomatic missions but also cultural exchange programs, health initiatives, and peacekeeping operations worldwide.
Congressional approval remains necessary for these changes to take effect, setting the stage for potentially contentious budget negotiations. With allies and adversaries watching closely, the outcome of these proposals could reshape America’s role on the world stage for years to come.