Senate Democrats have criticized the recent State Department layoffs as ‘sloppy, rushed’ decisions, calling for more transparency and accountability. The allegations come amid growing concerns about the efficiency and integrity of the department’s operations. In response, Republican members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have defended the changes, asserting that they were necessary for streamlining operations and that the backlash was excessive.
State Department employees have gathered on Friday to support their colleagues affected by the layoffs. The demonstrations reflect a broader tension within the department, with staff divided between those who support the changes and those who believe the process was flawed. While the Republican-led committee has emphasized the importance of adapting to changing global circumstances, Democratic leaders have pushed for a more thorough review of the decision-making process.