We represent African American retired Ambassadors. We write to express our serious concern about the proposed reorganization plan for the State Department. To maintain America’s leading position in world affairs, to strengthen U.S. alliances and partnerships, and to counter America’s adversaries, we need a strong, vibrant, diverse and inclusive State Department, capable of meeting the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities of the 21st century. The proposed reorganization does not appear to point in that direction.
We have not seen the full details of the April 22 announcement, but we believe that the plan to downgrade the Bureaus of Human Rights and Democracy and Refugee Affairs as well as shutter the Office of the Undersecretary of Civilian Security, Human Rights and Democracy will result in the elimination of offices that have advanced America’s commitment to democracy and good governance and provided support for countries facing serious humanitarian emergencies. The closure of these offices, along with the recent shutdown of USAID, will undermine America’s image and weaken American diplomacy as global tensions are rising and our adversaries in Russia, Iran and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are expanding their influence.
Other elements of the proposed reorganization threaten to hollow out State Department expertise in areas such as regional affairs, arms control, human trafficking, trade development and public diplomacy. The closure of the Global Engagement Center is also of serious concern. Sidelining specialists in disinformation, cybersecurity, and counterintelligence leaves our great nation vulnerable. Rather than strengthening our global security and capabilities, the proposed Department reorganization could create blind spots in our diplomatic efforts and risk creating political vacuums that Moscow, Tehran, Beijing and others could exploit.
Overseas, the plan’s threat to close embassies remains unclear, but we believe that shrinking or closing missions in places where the U.S. presence is vital for democracy support, accountable governance, the advancement of peace, and humanitarian aid delivery, could harm U.S. interests. In addition, the U.S. presence in African countries in conflict needs our continued presence more than ever.
Any reorganization of such complexity at a critical time must revitalize rather than undermine our country’s diplomacy. We urge the Secretary and State Department leaders to engage in greater transparency about these proposed sweeping changes with affected employees, the interagency community, and the American people. We urge Congress to insist on full oversight.
May 5, 2025
