For Immediate Release
April 22, 2025
Contact: Communications Director Nikki Gamer | Cell #: (978) 884-0003 | gamer@afsa.org

Washington, D.C. – The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) underscores that our diplomatic corps is the finest, most talented, and capable in the world. No one disputes the value of strengthening and rationalizing the State Department to meet today’s global challenges. But there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. The right way does not involve weakening and demoralizing the workforce. Neither does it involve rhetoric that accuses our diplomats of being ineffective, lacking accountability and concern for American interests.

We and our members are anxious to receive more details about reductions in force and impact on overseas operations. Furthermore, we remain concerned that expansive budgetary cutbacks will have a significant impact on Foreign Service employees both in the U.S. and overseas. These proposed cuts, when further absorbed into the reorganization process, will weaken our diplomacy. This is not the way to strengthen the U.S., especially in the face of increasing global threats.

As the re-organization process unfolds, AFSA will hold the Department accountable for maintaining its promised openness, soliciting meaningful feedback from the workforce, partnering with the Congress, and maintaining fairness and transparency throughout the reorganization process. The dedicated employees of the Department deserve no less.

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is the professional association and labor union of the men and women of the United States Foreign Service.