The State Department informed U.S.-based employees on Thursday that it would soon be laying off nearly 2,000 workers as part of a plan to downsize its domestic workforce.

More than 1,300 employees were forced out of the State Department on Friday, taking with them decades of specialized skills and on-the-job training.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plan to downsize a “bloated” department had been on hold after a court ruling.

State is poised to be the first agency to move forward with RIFs after receiving the Supreme Court's blessing.

Employees of the U.S. State Department could receive a layoff notice via email very soon as part of the Trump administration's plan to downsize the government.

Some laid off employees were seen carrying boxes out of the U.S. State Department as supporters bid them farewell with applause and hugs.

A rally is expected, with supporters “clapping out” departing State Department employees and protesting the layoffs at 4 p.m. Friday.

The firings follow a major Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for State Secretary Marco Rubio's months-long plan to downsize the agency.

U.S. diplomats in Washington are bracing for cuts to the State Department workforce, with dismissal notices expected to hit inboxes as soon as Friday, according to three State Department officials with knowledge of the plans.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists he is streamlining a bloated department, but critics warn the cost to America’s standing and influence could be high.