Approximately 2,000 U.S. diplomats have left the Foreign Service over the past year, according to the American Foreign Service Association. This includes layoffs and forced retirements, significantly impacting the State Department's workforce, which was estimated at over 13,000 in 2024. Senior career foreign service officers, such as Kelly Adams-Smith, have expressed concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and expertise, particularly as the U.S. faces increasing foreign policy challenges.
Adams-Smith, who served nearly three decades as a diplomat, had her nomination as ambassador to Moldova withdrawn in February 2025. She stated that many experienced officers expected to take on leadership roles but felt there was no longer a place for them within the department. Elizabeth Horst, another former diplomat, noted that the departure of skilled leaders diminishes the U.S.'s ability to ensure safety and protect business interests abroad.
The State Department has not provided specific numbers regarding the current workforce but acknowledged an increase in retirements. The department's spokesman, Tommy Pigott, emphasized the professionalism and capability of its remaining workforce. However, many senior foreign service officers have reported a lack of involvement in high-level negotiations, raising concerns about the U.S.'s diplomatic effectiveness.
The Trump administration's approach to foreign service nominations has been criticized for political vetting that has excluded many experienced diplomats. The decline in senior foreign service officers has led to a significant reduction in ambassadorial nominations, with less than 8% of nominations coming from this group, a stark contrast to previous years.