Trump Administration considers shutting down 30 US Embassies

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing a proposal to close nearly 30 United States embassies and consulates worldwide, with several located in Africa, as part of a sweeping plan to streamline the nation’s diplomatic footprint.

This is according to an internal document from the US State Department obtained by CNN.

Among the embassies proposed for closure are those in Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan, as well as a US consulate in South Africa. The move is part of a broader effort led by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency aimed at shrinking the size and cost of the federal government.

In total, the document lists 10 embassies and 17 consulates across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean for potential closure. However, Africa appears to bear a significant portion of the proposed downsizing, prompting concerns about the continent’s diplomatic and developmental ties with the US.

While the State Department has yet to confirm whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the recommendations, the document suggests that affected countries’ diplomatic services would be consolidated into nearby embassies or regional offices.

The embassies under review were reportedly assessed based on several factors, including consular activity, operational costs, security risks, and expert regional input. However, many of these diplomatic posts—especially in Africa—are instrumental in facilitating peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and security collaborations.

In countries like South Sudan and the Central African Republic, US embassies have played pivotal roles in supporting international stability efforts. Analysts warn that any reduction in America’s diplomatic presence could undermine these missions and create a void that may be filled by strategic rivals like China, which continues to expand its diplomatic influence across the continent.

Fueling further speculation that the move is more budget-driven than strategic, the administration has only nominated ambassadors for two of the affected locations—Malta and Luxembourg.

Responding to media inquiries, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce refused to confirm or deny the plans, advising reporters to await official communication from the White House.

“I would suggest that you check with the White House and the President of the US as they continue to work on their budget plan and what they submit to Congress,” Bruce said.

She added that early reports based on leaked documents may not reflect the final decisions.

While US embassies and consulates often operate with small teams, their role in supporting American citizens, processing visas, and collecting sensitive political and security intelligence remains critical. Officials within the State Department have previously cautioned that downsizing in regions like Africa could weaken US global influence.

As part of the reorganization plan, the department is also exploring more cost-effective staffing approaches, such as deploying “FLEX-style” light posts and appointing leaders to oversee multiple missions within a region.