When people acknowledge their weight and express a need to lose some, it often sparks intense defensiveness.

Recently, Marco Rubio and the State Department initiated efforts to reduce bureaucracy, resulting in over 1,300 government employees losing their jobs. This situation has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on American diplomacy and foreign policy.

According to the Washington Post, both current and former diplomats suggest that these layoffs could “decompose American position in the world and suppress America’s soft power.” Similarly, the New York Times pointed out that cutting jobs will diminish expertise within the department and negatively affect the morale of remaining staff. There’s a notable sense that the moral purpose of American diplomacy feels “incomplete and inconsistent,” which some regard as a point of pride for many generations.

A senator from the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee criticized the layoffs, arguing that they jeopardize America’s national security and overall prosperity.

In the era of increasing complexity in national security, this senator stated that the administration should focus on strengthening, rather than undermining, the diplomatic corps. They voiced concerns that these layoffs would severely limit the effectiveness of US foreign policy.

Interestingly, those laid off appeared to be struggling emotionally. Reports indicated that signs inside the State Department reminded former coworkers of their commitments to resist fascism and support democracy, highlighting the unsettling atmosphere. One sign expressed regret about releasing American experts in democracy and human rights into the uncertain job market.

However, despite these dramatic narratives, data presents a different perspective. The State Department has been expanding significantly since 2007, when it had 57,340 employees. By 2015, the number grew to 72,895, and projected figures for 2024 suggest it will reach 80,214.

Given this context, one might wonder—does shedding over 1,300 jobs, which constitutes about 1.6% of the workforce, really pose such a severe threat to America’s national security and global standing? It’s a question worth contemplating.