The US State Department is facing mounting criticism after enacting deep layoffs across its cybersecurity and technology teams. Insiders say it could severely undermine national security and digital diplomacy.
The cuts, which affect around 1,300 personnel across the agency, hit especially hard within the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP), which was formed just two years ago. It was set up to lead global cyber strategy and digital freedom efforts. The bureau has seen its leadership ousted, entire units dismantled, and core technical experts issued reduction-in-force (RIF) notices.
Among those removed is CDP’s acting head, Jennifer Bachus, who is now awaiting reassignment. The department also dismantled the Office of the Coordinator for Digital Freedom, a unit that focused on combating online repression and promoting digital rights. Half of the bureau’s telecom policy team, tasked with securing communications networks against foreign interference, was also let go. Meanwhile, the Office of Science and Technology Cooperation (OSTC), which was responsible for maintaining important diplomatic ties in the field of technology policy, was completely disbanded.
Lawmakers and cybersecurity analysts have expressed shock at the scale and depth of the cuts. Senator Chris Coons noted that the department lost experts in cyber policy, 5G, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies which skills not easily replaced. “My impression is: significant,” he said, when asked about the workforce impact.
The layoffs are part of a broader overhaul of the department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The CDP is being split into three smaller offices as part of this restructuring. But critics say the reorganization is leaving behind too few people with the technical expertise required to safeguard US cyber interests abroad.
Senator Jacky Rosen called the cuts “reckless and irresponsible,” warning that any future cyber incidents would fall squarely on those who approved them. Senator Angus King was more blunt: “It’s like throwing away your umbrella when it’s pouring rain.”
The move comes amid wider shakeups across federal cybersecurity bodies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is also experiencing staffing reductions, and key cyber leadership positions remain vacant across the government.
The State Department insists that “mission-critical functions and personnel” will be retained and redistributed. But with digital threats from nations like China intensifying, lawmakers are questioning whether those assurances are enough.
As the restructured agency takes shape, observers worry that America’s cyber diplomacy is being quietly gutted, especially at a moment when it’s needed most.
