Trump’s Embassy Closure Plan Spares Nigeria as 30 U.S. Missions Worldwide Face Shutdown

 

Trump Moves to Downsize U.S. Diplomatic Presence Globally, Dozens of Embassies and Consulates Targeted

In a bold and controversial reconfiguration of U.S. foreign policy strategy, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing to shutter dozens of American embassies and consulates around the world, a move that would dramatically scale back Washington’s diplomatic footprint. According to a report by CNN, citing an internal document from the U.S. State Department, at least 30 American diplomatic missions are being considered for closure, with a strong concentration in Africa and Europe.

Among the affected diplomatic outposts are embassies located in Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan — countries that have historically benefited from U.S. development assistance and political engagement. A U.S. consulate in South Africa also finds itself on the list, alongside several consulates in major Western allies such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.

The confidential document, yet to be publicly confirmed by senior officials, outlines the administration's intention to close 10 embassies and 17 consulates as part of a sweeping reallocation of diplomatic resources. The purported aim is to streamline operations, reduce overseas expenditures, and refocus American diplomacy on perceived strategic priorities.

In Europe, countries like Malta and Luxembourg — both considered stable democracies and key members of the European Union — could see their U.S. embassies shuttered. Additionally, five consulates in France, two in Germany, and one each in the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina are said to be included in the draft plan.

The document also alludes to a potential drawdown of personnel and operations in conflict-ridden zones such as Somalia and Iraq. These nations, once central to the U.S.’s global counterterrorism campaigns, now appear to be targets for a more restrained American presence.

Critics of the move warn that such a significant rollback could have long-term consequences for U.S. influence abroad. Diplomats and foreign policy analysts argue that embassies and consulates are vital not only for providing consular services and maintaining bilateral relations, but also for gathering intelligence, supporting development programs, and advancing American values on the ground.

Africa, which is already navigating complex political, economic, and security challenges, may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of the closures. Nations such as South Sudan and the Central African Republic, both of which continue to grapple with instability and humanitarian crises, have leaned heavily on U.S. diplomatic support for both political guidance and logistical assistance.

Yet, the Trump administration has consistently signaled its intent to recalibrate America’s global posture, emphasizing domestic priorities and burden-sharing among allies. This latest diplomatic shakeup appears to reflect that same ideology — one that prioritizes cost-cutting and a more transactional approach to foreign relations.

It remains unclear whether the plan has received formal approval from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who assumed the role following the departure of Antony Blinken. When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the State Department declined to confirm or deny the details of the leaked document, reiterating that the department does not discuss internal deliberations.

As the international community and foreign service officers await further clarification, the mere suggestion of such wide-reaching closures has already stirred significant discussion in policy circles. Allies may be forced to reassess their own diplomatic engagement with Washington, while U.S. citizens abroad could face new hurdles in accessing essential consular services.

Should the closures proceed as outlined, they would mark one of the most substantial retrenchments of American diplomacy in modern history — a clear signal that the Trump White House is reshaping the landscape of U.S. foreign policy, with consequences that could reverberate for years to come.