Trump dismantles State Department from within - and diplomats flee

An FT investigation reveals that over half of US ambassador posts remain vacant, with Africa at about 80%. The State Department's workforce has been cut by more than 3,000 employees, over 20% of staff. Allies and rivals bypass the department, dealing directly with Trump's inner circle. Veteran diplomats warn the damage to US diplomacy's prestige could last a generation.

An investigation by the Financial Times reveals the depth of upheaval at the US State Department under the Trump administration. As of now, over half of ambassador posts worldwide remain vacant, and in Africa the figure reaches about 80%. The department's workforce has been cut by more than 3,000 employees, constituting over 20% of total staff. The result on the ground: allies and rivals have understood the new balance of power and bypass the State Department, conducting direct contacts with Trump's inner circle. American diplomats, who once set the global tone, find themselves isolated and without influence. One veteran diplomat summed it up: even if a future administration tries to rebuild the ruins, the damage to the prestige and functioning of American diplomacy could be a task that takes a generation.