The Donald Trump administration is considering a dramatic reduction in America’s global diplomatic presence, with a leaked internal U.S. State Department document revealing that 27 embassies and consulates may be shut down.
According to a CNN report published Wednesday, the document recommends the closure of 10 U.S. embassies and 17 consulates. Countries affected include the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Lesotho, and South Sudan—where U.S. embassies may soon cease operations. A U.S. consulate in South Africa is also reportedly on the chopping block.
European countries are not spared, with possible closures in Malta, Luxembourg, and several consulates in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Additional consular posts in Asia and the Caribbean are also included in the proposal.
The move is said to be part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration—allegedly influenced by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency—to slash spending across federal agencies, including the State Department.
The internal document also suggests reducing America’s diplomatic footprint in conflict zones like Somalia and Iraq, where U.S. operations have played key roles in counterterrorism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not confirmed any official decision on the proposed closures. A spokesperson for the department declined to comment on the contents of the leaked document.
As of now, the plan remains under review and has yet to be implemented.
