WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is considering closing dozens of US embassies and consulates around the world, in what would be the most significant downsizing of America’s diplomatic footprint in decades.
Africa appears set to be among the hardest hit.
A leaked internal State Department document, seen by multiple news outlets, outlines plans to shut ten embassies and 17 consulates globally. Six of the embassies marked for closure are in African countries—South Sudan, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Lesotho, the Central African Republic, and The Gambia.
If the plan moves forward, the US embassy in Juba, South Sudan, could close just as the fragile nation struggles to recover from years of conflict and relies heavily on foreign aid and international engagement.
“We are deeply concerned,” said a senior diplomat in Nairobi familiar with the region. “This would send a message of retreat at a time when diplomacy is most needed.”
The proposal is part of a broader effort to slash the State Department’s budget nearly in half—from $52.5 billion to around $27 billion next year. The cuts are being pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new agency reportedly supported by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Its mandate: reduce federal spending and eliminate what it deems bureaucratic excess.
Among the casualties would be several longstanding cultural programmes, including the Fulbright scholarships, which have fostered academic exchange between the US and partner countries for decades.
In Europe, the closures could see five consulates in France—including offices in Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille—shut their doors. Similar reductions are planned in Germany, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and even the United Kingdom. Elsewhere, embassies in Japan and Canada would be replaced with lighter, stripped-down “FLEX-style” diplomatic posts. Leadership positions across missions may also be merged.
The State Department has not publicly confirmed the cuts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has so far stayed silent, and spokeswoman Tammy Bruce declined to comment directly when asked about the leaked plans.
“I would suggest that you check with the White House,” she told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.
Foreign policy analysts warn the closures could undercut US influence at a critical time, particularly in regions like Africa where China and Russia are steadily expanding their presence.
“Embassies aren’t just buildings. They’re America’s eyes and ears on the ground,” said Rachel Wilson, a former US ambassador to Liberia. “Losing them means losing our ability to respond, to listen, and to lead.”
Inside the Trump administration, supporters argue the downsizing is long overdue. They say the US is overextended and that diplomatic resources should be focused on economic hubs and security hotspots.
But critics see the move as short-sighted. “You don’t shrink your presence in fragile states and expect stability,” said a former senior official in the State Department. “It’s like cutting off your antenna and still expecting to pick up a signal.”
The fate of the embassies now rests with Congress and the White House, where the budget proposal is expected to face sharp opposition from Democrats and some Republicans alike.
For now, staff in affected embassies remain in the dark. “We’re continuing with our work,” said a source at one of the African missions on the closure list. “But we don’t know how long we’ll be able to keep the lights on.”
