Survey: Foreign Service morale 'dangerously low' under Trump
The American Foreign Service Association reports that 98% of roughly 2,100 surveyed members rate morale as poor, with large majorities saying Trump-era changes since January are hindering U.S. diplomatic work. Conducted Aug–Sep 2025, the survey cites heavier workloads from staffing losses, delayed initiatives, and rising intent to leave, while the State Department responded that it values candid feedback and emphasized reorganization to empower frontline bureaus.
📌 Key Facts
- AFSA survey (Aug–Sep 2025) drew ~2,100 Foreign Service respondents; 98% reported poor morale.
- 86% said recent changes affect ability to advance U.S. diplomatic priorities; 64% reported delayed or suspended projects; 61% heavier workloads.
- State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott acknowledged feedback and defended departmental reorganization; AFSA notes July layoffs of 200+ Foreign Service members.
📊 Relevant Data
93% of all political contributions from U.S. State Department employees went to Democratic Party candidates or political action committees during the 2019-2020 election cycle.
America’s State Department Was Seized by One Political Party. Here’s How To Stop Them — The Heritage Foundation
The U.S. Foreign Service is approximately 70% White and 30% non-White as of 2021-2022.
New State Department Diversity Data Exposes New Challenges and Opportunities — FP21
The U.S. Foreign Service is less than 40% female and over 60% male as of 2021-2022.
New State Department Diversity Data Exposes New Challenges and Opportunities — FP21
The share of African-Americans in the Senior Foreign Service dropped from 4.6% in September 2016 to 3.2% in June 2018.
Prior to 2025, the U.S. Foreign Service had approximately 17,000 employees across six federal agencies.
At the Breaking Point: The State of the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 — American Foreign Service Association