The Trump administration is considering shutting down 10 embassies and 17 consulates globally, with Africa facing the most significant cuts. An internal State Department memo, lists embassies in the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan among those targeted for closure.
The proposal, part of a broader government downsizing effort, would see responsibilities shifted to neighboring US embassies. Consulates in France, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UK, South Africa, and South Korea are also on the list for closure.
These recommendations come as the Trump administration, reportedly influenced by the Elon Musk-backed Department of Government Efficiency, seeks to reduce federal spending and diplomatic presence abroad. The State Department is also considering reducing its footprint in Somalia and Iraq.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not yet approved the plan, and the department has declined to comment on the leaked document.
