US to close five consulates in Asia, Africa and North America

The US Department of State has informed Congress of plans to close five consulates and diplomatic outposts across Asia, Africa and North America, a move Washington says will reduce costs but which critics warn could create space for rival powers.

Closures and the locations named

According to the notification to congressional committees, the Department will close missions in St. George (Grenada), Nagoya (Japan), Medan (Indonesia), Douala (Cameroon) and Winnipeg (Canada). The measure follows a broad review of bilateral ties carried out after Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.

Officials defend the step as part of an efficiency drive under Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Department has already reduced its workforce: last year more than 1,300 employees were let go, including 246 diplomats and 1,107 civil servants.

American Foreign Service Association figures show more than half of the 195 ambassadorial posts worldwide remain vacant, including key countries such as Germany, Cuba, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Critics say the personnel cuts and mission closures risk eroding US influence in areas where other powers are active.

Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned that Beijing will exploit the openings. "China has a diplomatic presence at three of the five locations where the State Department is closing offices," she said. "The annual operating costs of these diplomatic facilities are a small part of the State Department's budget. Is it really worth pulling back from a place where China is already active?"

The Department also plans to withdraw staff from a consulate in Turkey, according to the same notice. Lawmakers and foreign policy experts are expected to press State Department officials for further justification and details during oversight hearings.

Photo: press material from the event