Former federal employees and Democratic lawmakers gathered at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday to mark the one-year anniversary of staff reductions at the State Department. The event focused on the impact of the Trump administration's decision last year to lay off 1,350 personnel and integrate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department.
Participants at the press conference stated that the loss of specialized personnel has affected U.S. foreign policy and international health responses. Megan Fotheringham, former deputy director of USAID’s Office of Infectious Disease, argued that the closure of her office hindered efforts to manage a current Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Similarly, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) contended that the absence of career diplomats has hampered peace negotiations in Iran, which are currently led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
In response to a request for comment, the State Department issued a statement defending its current operations. The department cited the work of career employees in managing humanitarian assistance following Hurricane Melissa in 2025 and maintaining a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand as evidence of continued effectiveness. The Trump administration has previously stated that workforce reductions are necessary to increase government efficiency.
Democratic lawmakers also introduced a new bill during the event aimed at facilitating the return of former staff. The legislation would exempt foreign service officers who were removed during the recent layoffs from being required to retake the Foreign Service Officer Test if they choose to apply for reinstatement to their former roles.