The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump may be preparing to shutter close to 30 American embassies and consulates worldwide, with several African nations potentially affected. This move reportedly forms part of a sweeping initiative aimed at reducing the U.S. government’s international diplomatic presence and lowering operational costs.
According to a CNN report released on Wednesday, the plan originates from a classified document within the U.S. State Department. The internal memo recommends the closure of multiple missions, including embassies in the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Lesotho. In addition, at least one consulate in South Africa has also been marked for potential shutdown.
Global Impact Targets Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean
The confidential proposal outlines the closure of 10 embassies and 17 consulates across four continents. While a significant number of these missions are located in Europe and Africa, others are scattered throughout Asia and the Caribbean. Some of the most notable sites at risk include American embassies in Malta, Luxembourg, and South Sudan.
In Europe, the document highlights five consulates in France, two in Germany, and one each in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom. Beyond Europe, a consulate in South Korea and another in South Africa are also listed among the 27 diplomatic posts proposed for elimination.
Efficiency Drive Tied to Elon Musk-Supported Government Overhaul
Sources familiar with the plan say the closures form part of a broader government downsizing strategy heavily influenced by the Department of Government Efficiency—a controversial agency reportedly backed by tech billionaire Elon Musk. This department has gained notoriety for aggressively pushing federal agencies, including the State Department, to significantly trim budgets and workforce sizes in favor of “lean governance.”
If implemented, this overhaul would represent one of the most substantial reductions to the U.S. diplomatic network in recent history.
Reductions in Key Strategic Locations Raise Security Concerns
The proposal also recommends scaling back U.S. involvement in countries such as Somalia and Iraq—nations long viewed as strategic partners in America’s counterterrorism efforts. National security analysts have raised concerns that diminishing the U.S. footprint in these regions could hinder intelligence-gathering and undermine regional stability.
Despite the sweeping nature of the proposal, there has been no confirmation from the State Department that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has endorsed the plan. A department spokesperson declined to comment on the leaked internal document or the future of the targeted missions.
Uncertain Future for U.S. Diplomacy Abroad
As the plan circulates within Washington, foreign policy experts warn that such a dramatic rollback could erode America’s soft power and weaken relationships in emerging regions. African nations in particular, where U.S. diplomatic outreach has historically played a key role in development, trade, and security partnerships, could experience setbacks.
With growing global competition from countries like China and Russia, many argue that a reduction in U.S. diplomatic presence sends the wrong signal at a time when international influence is more contested than ever.
Until official decisions are announced, the future of these diplomatic posts remains uncertain. However, if the closures move forward, they could significantly reshape how the United States engages with the world.
