Senior State Department officials are planning to close a dozen consulates overseas and potentially shut down more missions, leading to layoffs of local staff and threatening U.S. partnerships and intelligence efforts. President Trump’s budget cuts and “America First” foreign policy are driving the reductions, as China expands its global diplomatic presence. The State Department is facing resignations, a hiring freeze, and potential budget cuts of up to 20%, with internal debate ongoing and Elon Musk’s team involved in identifying government waste.
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