State Department Begins Mass Layoffs

"First and foremost, we want to thank them for their dedication and service to the United States," Rigas said in the email.

"Every effort has been made to support our colleagues who are departing, including those who opted into the Deferred Resignation Programs … On behalf of Department leadership, we extend our gratitude for your hard work and commitment to executing this reorganization and for your ongoing dedication to advancing U.S. national interests across the world," he added.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters earlier on Thursday that the only reason there had been a delay in implementing force reductions is because the courts have stepped in, as she said the mass layoffs would be happening quickly.

"There has been a delay – not to our interests, but because of the courts," Bruce noted. "It's been difficult when you know you need to get something done for the benefit of everyone."

"When something is too large to operate, too bureaucratic, to actually function, and to deliver projects, or action, it has to change," she said.