United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday a sweeping reorganization plan for the State Department, signaling a major shift in the agency’s structure and function. In a statement, Rubio declared the Department would be rebuilt "from the ground up," criticizing it as currently "bloated, bureaucratic, and unable to perform its essential diplomatic mission" in the face of global challenges.

Rubio stated that the current system is more responsive to radical political ideology than to advancing America’s national interests. The reorganization will focus on consolidating region-specific operations, removing redundant offices, and halting non-statutory programs that are not aligned with President Donald Trump’s policy objectives.

“This is an era of great power competition,” Rubio said, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic apparatus that can respond more efficiently to evolving global dynamics. The overhaul aims to streamline foreign policy operations and ensure that diplomatic resources are better aligned with strategic goals.

In a separate development on Tuesday, the State Department confirmed that Rubio would not attend high-level talks in London regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The discussions, which will continue without him, include representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted that Special Envoy Keith Kellogg will attend in Rubio’s place.

The decision comes amid rising urgency in the negotiations, as President Trump’s administration signals impatience with the pace of diplomatic progress. Rubio had previously warned that the US might pull out of the talks “within days” if there were no signs of a breakthrough.

Alongside Kellogg, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will also participate in the meetings as the US pushes for a resolution to Russia’s military offensive. The Trump administration remains focused on securing a concrete agreement that ends hostilities while reaffirming US diplomatic leadership in Europe.