The State Department began laying off more than 1,300 workers Friday, proceeding with long-expected staff cuts that nonetheless came with some surprises in terms of who was cut and confusion on whether some notices were sent in error.

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.

Donald Trump likes to say he’s about America first. What we’re witnessing here is America in retreat,” Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen told HuffPost at a rally for 1,353 dismissed diplomats.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s plan for overhauling the State Department’s 300-plus bureaus and offices has drawn howls of protest ... The State Department is in urgent need of reform.

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.

The rebranding effort seeks to establish “consistent branding" across all State Department programs and offices to best reflect American contributions abroad, according to the agency.

"The ongoing reductions in force at the U.S. State Department threaten to not only weaken but deplete America’s primary line of defense," writes Gordon Duguid, visiting professor at ISU and retired minister counselor in the Department of the State.