SHOTLIST: WASHINGTON DC, US (JULY 11, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1.VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS OUTSIDE US STATE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WASHINGTONWASHINGTON DC, US - JULY 11, 2025: Employees of the US State Department gathered outside the department’s headquarters in Washington on Friday to protest mass layoffs initiated under a reorganization plan by the Trump administration. The protest came after the US Supreme Court lifted a lower court's injunction earlier this week, allowing the administration to proceed with its restructuring plans across multiple federal agencies. Demonstrators, including both civil service employees and foreign service officers, voiced concern over what they called unjust dismissals that threaten the country’s diplomatic capabilities, especially in areas dealing with human rights, refugees, and international law. According to an internal notice cited by local media, the layoffs affect 1,107 civil service workers and 246 foreign service officers. Termination notices were sent via email, with many employees placed on administrative leave. The reorganization is expected to reduce the State Department's domestic workforce by approximately 15%. Critics argue that the cuts come at a time when the US faces major international challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce defended the plan, saying it was developed with feedback from Congress and agency staff and is aimed at improving organizational efficiency. Despite the controversy, the administration has stated that the layoffs will proceed quickly now that the legal barrier has been removed. - Writing by Berkay Gur