The Trump has decided to shut down almost 30 US embassies and consulates across the globe. This across-the-board rollback, prompted by Elon Musk’s call for streamlined government, seeks to reduce America’s global presence.
Critics caution, though, that this move may provide China with the window it requires to increase its influence—especially in Africa, West Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region.
Trump Admin to close down nearly 30 embassies and consulates.
CNN Map here pic.twitter.com/zgSNLR3YNU
— Rashid Abdi (@RAbdiAnalyst) April 16, 2025
Diplomatic pullout spans continents
Under the plan, as outlined in a leaked State Department memo that was obtained by The New York Times, 10 embassies, 17 consulates, and three diplomatic missions are to be closed. These facilities stretch across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean—regions that have long been at the heart of US foreign policy.
Particularly, Trump intends to close down its embassies in Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. In Europe, the Malta and Luxembourg embassies also are slated to be closed. Further, Grenada in the Caribbean and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean Region also might lose their American diplomatic missions.
Friendly nations lose consulates
Apart from embassies, the plan touches on major US consulates in allied countries. For example, France will lose five consulates—in Marseilles, Lyon, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Rennes. Germany and Bosnia will each lose two consulates.
In addition, the closures involve US consulates in Edinburgh (Scotland), Thessaloniki (Greece), Florence (Italy), Ponta Delgada (Portugal), Medan (Indonesia), Busan (South Korea), Durban (South Africa), and Douala (Cameroon).
Critical zones now vulnerable
The government also plans to scale down or cease entirely American activities in Iraq and Somalia. These operations have been critical in combating terror organizations like ISIS and Al Qaeda. Therefore, backing out of these regions could immobilize US counterterror operations and enable extremists to capitalize on the ensuing security vacuum.
Musk speeds up foreign policy change
Elon Musk has continued to push for a smaller, more efficient government. Consequently, his increasing influence has already prompted substantial reductions in US foreign aid. While Musk calls on Washington to cut back, Beijing moves aggressively forward. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has begun to expand exactly into the areas where the US is set to pull back, thereby increasing China’s reach and leverage.
Experts warn of long-term damage
Foreign policy analysts contend Trump’s action could cause irreparable damage. They feel pulling out of strategically significant areas will leave America alone and undermine global leadership. Although the administration asserts the action will save money, most analysts feel the cost to America’s standing will be many times greater than any cost savings.
To date, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not officially signed off on the closures. However, political momentum decisively favors the plan. Isolationist policy of Trump, in tandem with Musk’s budget-cutting clout, could redefine US diplomacy for generations. The ultimate decision will decide if America retains its global dominance—or voluntarily gives it to China.
