During his first tenure in the White House, Donald Trump frequently expressed skepticism towards foreign aid, particularly towards African countries, which he often referred to as “strategically unimportant” for the United States. This attitude resulted in cuts to various assistance programs and a diplomatic rhetoric considered abrasive by some African leaders. As he resumes office in January 2025, Trump appears to continue this approach with a new initiative aimed at reducing diplomatic costs, specifically targeting the African continent.
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A Drastic Cut to Diplomatic Presence
An internal memo from the U.S. State Department, disclosed by The New York Times, reveals that the Trump administration is proposing the closure of ten U.S. embassies worldwide, six of which are located in Africa. The affected embassies include those in the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. Under the new proposal, diplomatic activities would be transferred to nearby U.S. embassies in neighboring countries.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce government expenditures, a key objective of the president’s second term. In addition to the embassy closures in Africa, the proposal also includes the closure of several consulates in European countries, including five in France (Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, and Strasbourg), and two in Germany (Düsseldorf and Leipzig). Other diplomatic missions in Greece, Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom are also on the chopping block. In addition, representations in Douala (Cameroon), Durban (South Africa), Medan (Indonesia), and Busan (South Korea) are among those targeted for closure.
Raising Concerns About U.S. Influence in Africa
Critics of the proposal have raised concerns about the potential consequences of a U.S. diplomatic pullback, particularly in regions seen as strategically important, such as Africa. The closure of certain embassies could, they argue, weaken the United States’ ability to gather intelligence, maintain direct relations with local governments, and preserve its influence in the face of rising powers like China.
Several analysts suggest that Washington could risk ceding ground to Beijing, particularly in areas where China’s influence has been growing. Africa, in particular, is viewed by many experts as a growing arena of competition between the United States and China, with both nations vying for economic, political, and diplomatic influence. Critics worry that Trump’s proposed cuts could leave the U.S. at a disadvantage in this strategic competition.
Challenges in the U.S. Congress
As of now, none of the recommendations have been finalized, and their implementation will depend on approval from Congress, where the proposal is already stirring divisions. Some lawmakers, especially those representing states with significant African-American populations or strong ties to Africa, have expressed concerns that these cuts could harm U.S.-Africa relations and erode America’s soft power on the continent.
Others, however, argue that reducing diplomatic footprints in less influential regions would allow the U.S. to focus resources on more critical areas, including domestic priorities. The debate is likely to intensify as the proposal moves through the legislative process.
Conclusion
While the Trump administration’s proposal to cut U.S. diplomatic representation in Africa and other regions is aimed at reducing government spending, it raises serious concerns about America’s long-term diplomatic presence and influence on the global stage. With China’s growing influence in Africa, the U.S. may risk weakening its strategic position if these proposed cuts go ahead. The outcome of this initiative will ultimately depend on the political dynamics in Congress, where it is sure to face both support and opposition.
This article is originally published on: lanouvelletribune
