The Trump administration is weighing a plan to shut down 10 embassies and 17 consulates worldwide, significantly scaling back the US diplomatic footprint across nearly every continent. According to an undated internal State Department memo obtained by The New York Times, Africa would bear the greatest impact, with six embassies proposed for closure.

The six African countries affected are the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of Congo, and South Sudan. The memo suggests that their responsibilities be transferred to US embassies in neighboring countries. This move aligns with President Trump's push to shrink federal spending across government agencies, but it still requires congressional approval and could change.

The proposed reductions have sparked concerns that the US may be giving up critical diplomatic ground to China, particularly in regions where Washington currently holds a stronger presence than Beijing. Critics warn that scaling back could weaken American national security by limiting diplomatic engagement and hindering intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Beyond Africa, the memo proposes shutting down two smaller embassies in Europe, Luxembourg and Malta, as well as the diplomatic missions in Grenada and the Maldives. Their responsibilities would be transferred to US embassies in nearby countries. Most of the consulates marked for closure are located in Europe, including several in popular tourist cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille in France, and Düsseldorf and Leipzig in Germany.

Other European cities listed for potential consulate closures include Thessaloniki in Greece, Florence in Italy, Ponta Delgada in Portugal, and Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. Beyond Europe, the memo also recommends closing four more consulates: in Douala, Cameroon; Medan, Indonesia; Durban, South Africa; and Busan, South Korea.

The potential closures have raised concerns about the impact on US diplomatic efforts, particularly in regions where the US is seeking to counterbalance China's growing influence. The move could also have implications for US businesses operating in these regions, as well as for American citizens traveling or living abroad.

While the plan is still pending congressional approval, it has already sparked debate about the role of the US in global affairs and the importance of maintaining a strong diplomatic presence. As the Trump administration continues to push for reduced federal spending, it remains to be seen how this plan will be received by lawmakers and the international community.

In the context of the ongoing competition for global influence between the US and China, this move could have significant implications for the balance of power in various regions. As the world watches the US diplomatic footprint shrink, it will be important to monitor the responses of other nations and the potential consequences for global stability and security.