US ‘Double Hat Leadership’ Initiative Engages 30 Countries
The Trump administration is considering a major overhaul of its diplomatic presence abroad, with plans to potentially close around 30 embassies and consulates. A leaked document obtained by CNN International reveals that there is also a proposal to downsize diplomatic missions in key countries like Somalia and Iraq, which play crucial roles in the US efforts to combat terrorism.
These proposed changes are part of a broader reform within the US diplomatic agency, as the Trump administration aims to reduce the federal government. The plan is being pushed forward with the support of the Government Productivity Department (DOGE), backed by Elon Musk. However, it remains unclear whether Foreign Minister Marco Rubio will approve the suggested closures.
The document suggests shutting down 10 embassies and 17 consulates, mainly in Europe and Africa, but also in Asia and the Caribbean. Countries like Malta, Luxembourg, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan are among those listed for potential closure. The document recommends that the responsibilities of these closed embassies be transferred to neighboring countries’ representative offices.
Embassies and consulates play vital roles in handling visa procedures, assisting American citizens, collecting information to be sent to Washington, and serving as crucial diplomatic tools in the US’s relations with countries like China. However, the majority of these embassies and consulates have relatively small staff.
The proposal for closures was put forward by the Undersecretary of State for Administration, who evaluated factors such as consular burden, operational costs, facility conditions, and security ratings. As part of the restructuring plan, US missions in countries like Japan and Canada may be transformed into “model missions,” integrating consular support into larger representative offices.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to comment on the leaked document or the Ministry’s plans for significant downsizing. The spokesperson emphasized that discussions with the White House and Congress regarding budget plans are ongoing and cautioned that leaked documents often contain inaccurate or premature information.
The US has only announced ambassador candidates for two of the embassies proposed for closure, namely Malta and Luxembourg. As the Trump administration continues to evaluate its diplomatic presence abroad, the future of these embassies and consulates remains uncertain.
