Rubio’s First Move: State Department Employees Ordered Back to the Office

In one of the first major directives of the new Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ended remote work for State Department employees and ordered everyone back in person.

Key Facts:

  • Rubio was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Monday evening, becoming President Trump’s only Cabinet official confirmed on Inauguration Day.
  • Effective immediately, Rubio’s directive ends all COVID-era work-from-home policies at the State Department.
  • President Trump promised to bring the federal workforce back to the office, with Elon Musk chairing the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
  • A recent government report noted that out of 2.28 million federal workers, 46% were eligible to telework, and 10% were fully remote.
  • House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has introduced the SHOW UP Act to restore pre-pandemic workplace practices across the federal government.

The Rest of The Story:

This decision follows President Trump’s campaign pledge to end remote work and ensure federal employees return to government offices. Rubio’s swift action at the State Department signals that the administration is serious about this goal.

A USA Today report showed that even after the pandemic, many federal workers remained remote. Now, officials expect more departments to follow Rubio’s lead, especially with House Republicans pushing legislation to return federal agencies to on-site operations.

Commentary:

Bringing government workers back to their desks can reinforce accountability and foster real-time collaboration, both of which are essential in international diplomacy and day-to-day public service.

The infrastructure for these roles has already been built and funded, and occupying those offices makes practical sense.

Restoring in-person work also supports productivity by allowing employees to engage face-to-face, exchange ideas directly, and maintain a closer alignment with leadership goals—outcomes that are especially critical for vital government functions.

The Bottom Line:

Secretary Rubio’s order could mark a turning point in how federal agencies approach in-person work. This signals the Trump administration’s broader push to get government employees fully back on site.

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