Over 1300 Employees Dismissed Amid Protests

President Donald Trump’s policies, the U.S. State Department has begun terminating thousands of employees. On Friday alone, more than 1,300 officials were dismissed, sparking protests outside the department’s headquarters in Washington.

Many of those dismissed were reportedly working in sensitive areas such as countering violent extremism, refugee assistance programs, and human rights initiatives, including women’s rights and climate change projects. The wave of dismissals is expected to affect up to 3,000 personnel in its initial phase.

Eyewitnesses reported emotional scenes as departing staff were greeted by demonstrators showing solidarity and paying tribute to their services. Some employees were seen in tears as they left the building for the final time.

A spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, stated that the changes were part of a larger reform effort aimed at realigning the department with “President Trump’s vision” and modern diplomatic needs. “Swift implementation and results require structural reforms,” she said.

Prominent Democratic Senators Christopher Van Hollen and Andy Kim joined protesters and condemned the mass firings. Senator Van Hollen vowed to oppose what he called “cruel and destructive actions” by Trump-aligned forces “on every platform.”