A sweeping draft executive order obtained by CNBC suggests that the Trump Administration’s draft order, known as the ‘trump draft order’, is preparing to implement a major overhaul of the U.S. State Department, dramatically reshaping American diplomacy around the world. The implications of the Trump Administration’s draft order could be far-reaching.
The 16-page document, which has not been dated but appears ready for President Donald Trump’s signature, outlines a “disciplined reorganization” of the department as part of the trump draft order. If enacted, it would eliminate key diplomatic outposts, dismantle several internal bureaus, and fundamentally change how American diplomats are selected and trained under the proposed changes in the Trump Administration’s draft order. This potential transformation reflects the priorities outlined in the trump draft order.
Understanding the Trump Administration’s Draft Order
The trump draft order aims to redefine the operational structure of the State Department, potentially leading to significant shifts in foreign policy execution.
The draft executive order calls for:
- Closure of U.S. embassies in Sub-Saharan Africa that are considered “non-essential.”
- Elimination of bureaus focused on democracy, human rights, international organizations such as the United Nations, and offices addressing climate, women’s issues, migration, and criminal justice.
- A drastic reduction of the U.S. diplomatic presence in Canada, with operations moved under a “significantly reduced team” in the newly proposed North American Affairs Office within Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s office.
- The consolidation of existing regional bureaus into four larger “regional corps”:
- Eurasia: Europe, Russia, and Central Asia
- Mid-East: Arab nations, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan
- Latin America: Central and South America and the Caribbean
- Indo-Pacific: East and Southeast Asia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives
According to the draft, the reorganization aims to “streamline mission delivery, project American strength abroad, cut waste, fraud, abuse and align the Department with an American First Strategic Doctrine reflecting the priorities of the Executive Branch.”
What about hiring and training diplomats?
The draft order also proposes eliminating the long-standing Foreign Service Officer Test, replacing it with an evaluation system that measures whether candidates demonstrate “alignment with the president’s foreign policy vision.”
Timeline and employee transition
The draft sets a deadline of October 1 for the “full structural reorganization and transition.” Additionally, it offers a buyout and transition program for existing staff who do not wish to remain under the new structure. These employees may “voluntarily separate from the department” through September 30.
Reactions and next steps
The White House has not commented on the draft, and its final status remains unclear. The New York Times first reported on the document.
Senator Marco Rubio, named in the draft as Secretary of State, dismissed the reporting on X, saying: “This is fake news.”
It’s important to note that draft executive orders do not carry legal weight until they are signed and officially enacted. Still, the scale of proposed changes—if realized—would represent one of the most significant shifts in U.S. diplomacy in decades.
Following the guidelines of the Trump Administration’s Draft Order, the plan aims to reduce the bureaucratic footprint and improve efficiency across various sectors.
