'If You Can Keep It': One Year After Massive State Department Layoffs
Summary
This episode examines the impact of the Trump administration's massive reduction in the State Department and elimination of USAID one year after the cuts. Guests including Ambassador Larry Andre, diplomatic correspondent Akbar Shahid Ahmed, and former Foreign Service officers discuss how the arbitrary firings created a climate of fear, eroded institutional knowledge, and disrupted critical diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.
Topics discussed
Intro: Mattress Firm ad and show opening
Guests introduced: The July 11th State Department purge
Impact on USAID and global health programs
Break: Children's Aid and FFRF ads
Verena Winder on the dismantling of the Women's Rights Office
Listener questions on soft power and institutional damage
Moral injury and loss of expertise in diplomacy
Humanitarian costs and closing remarks
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