Rex Tillerson has seen enough. The recently-confirmed Secretary of State is clearing out the State Department in a move designed to rid the federal government of Obama-era staffers who have no intention of cooperating with the Trump administration. On Friday, CBS News reported that numerous staffers were given their walking papers. “As part of the transition from one administration to the next, we continue to build out our team. The State Department is supported by a very talented group of individuals, both Republicans and Democrats,” Department of State spokesman R.C.
Hammond explained to CBS.
Career diplomat and counselor Kristie Kinney shown to the door
Among those who were shown the door were Kristie Kinney, a career Foreign Service officer who, for the past year, had served as State Department counselor. The Washington Post reports that Kinney was told that her services were no longer needed and that her staff would be reassigned. State Department sources have hinted that the void left by Kinney's departure may not be filled.
Tillerson's campaign of mass layoffs comes in the wake of Elliot Abrams' failure to rise to the position as State Department counselor. Tillerson's personal choice for the position was vetoed last week by President Trump and Abrams claims that his path to Kinney's position was blocked because of statements he had made during the presidential race that were critical of Trump.
Tillerson at G-20 conference in Germany when firings took place
CBS reports that much of seventh-floor staff, who work for the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources and the Counselor offices, were handed pink slips while Tillerson was away on his first overseas trip as head of the State Department. According to the Washington Post, five of the eight senior staffers who accompanied Tillerson to Germany are serving in temporary capacities.
Some State Department officials have claimed that this was a "politically-minded purge" rather than the simple reorganization of the bureaucracy.
