Trump Plans Major Cuts to U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Africa, Leaked Draft Reveals

Washington, D.C. – A leaked draft presidential decree, reviewed by AFP on Sunday, April 20, 2025, reveals plans by the Trump administration to significantly reduce the U.S. diplomatic presence in Africa as part of a broader “total structural reorganization” of the State Department. The proposal, which aligns with Trump’s “America First” doctrine, has sparked controversy and debate over its potential impact on U.S.-Africa relations.

Details of the Proposed Restructuring

The draft decree outlines a major overhaul of the State Department by October 1, 2025, aiming to “streamline mission execution, project American power abroad, reduce waste, fraud, and abuse,” and align the department with Trump’s strategic vision. A key component of the plan involves closing “all non-essential embassies and consulates in sub-Saharan Africa” and consolidating remaining missions under a new “Office of the Special Envoy for African Affairs.” This office would report to the White House National Security Council rather than the State Department, marking a significant shift in diplomatic oversight.

Global Reorganization and Cuts

The restructuring divides U.S. diplomatic efforts into four regions—Eurasia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific—effectively dismantling the current Bureau of African Affairs. The plan also includes the elimination of State Department offices focused on climate change, democracy, and human rights, reflecting Trump’s broader skepticism of “soft power” initiatives. Additionally, the U.S. embassy in Ottawa, Canada, faces a “significant reduction,” amid Trump’s provocative rhetoric about Canada as a potential “51st state.”

Marco Rubio Denies the Reports

This is fake news. The ⁦@nytimes⁩ falls victim to another hoax. https://t.co/hXSiV1t9HC — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) April 20, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed the reports as “fake news” on X, claiming the New York Times, which first revealed the draft, had fallen victim to a “new hoax.” Despite Rubio’s denial, the document’s details, also accessed by AFP, have raised alarm among diplomats and Africa policy experts. The State Department has not officially commented on the draft, leaving uncertainty about its implementation.

Broader Context of Trump’s Foreign Policy

This proposal aligns with Trump’s ongoing efforts to scale back U.S. international engagement, including questioning long-standing alliances like NATO. Last week, multiple U.S. media outlets reported potential budget cuts to the State Department, which could end funding for international organizations such as the UN and NATO. These moves reflect Trump’s focus on reducing America’s global footprint, a stance that has drawn criticism for undermining U.S. influence, particularly in Africa, where strategic competition with China and Russia is intensifying.

Implications for U.S.-Africa Relations

The planned embassy closures in sub-Saharan Africa could hinder U.S. efforts to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent, as noted in a recent CSIS report. Programs like the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), highlighted by the State Department, may also face setbacks, limiting opportunities for engagement with Africa’s next generation of leaders. Social media reactions on X have been mixed, with some users criticizing the move as a retreat from global leadership, while others support Trump’s focus on domestic priorities.

Looking Ahead

If implemented, this restructuring could reshape U.S. foreign policy in Africa, potentially straining relations with key partners and reducing America’s diplomatic leverage. As the Trump administration moves forward, the international community will closely monitor the impact on global alliances and America’s role on the world stage.

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