The U.S. Consulate in Florence is among the diplomatic outposts the Trump administration plans to shut down as part of a sweeping overhaul of America’s overseas footprint, according to a report published today by Punchbowl News.
The move is part of a broader FY 2026 budget proposal being submitted to the Office of Management and Budget, which outlines the closure of ten embassies and seventeen consulates across the globe. In Europe alone, five U.S. consulates in France and two in Germany are slated for closure, along with consulates in Edinburgh and Florence.
According to the Punchbowl News report, the consulates targeted for closure were evaluated based on multiple criteria, including consular workload, cost per staff member, security conditions, and feedback from regional bureaus. Florence’s consulate, a key diplomatic and cultural link in central Italy, is to be “folded” into the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
As Florence Daily News previously reported, the Florence consulate has long played a crucial role in supporting American citizens, student programs, and cultural exchanges in Tuscany and beyond. Its closure would represent a significant shift in how the United States engages with the region.
The proposal reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the State Department’s budget by nearly half, as previously reported by Politico. The administration is also proposing the downsizing of U.S. consulates in major cities like Montreal and Halifax to so-called “FLEX-style light consulates,” with minimal staff and local support.
While the proposal has yet to be finalized—it must still be approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and, ultimately, by Congress—it marks one of the most significant attempts in recent history to downsize the U.S. diplomatic presence abroad.
The document obtained by Punchbowl News was compiled by senior Trump administration officials and bears the header “M Recommendations for Closure,” referring to the Under Secretary of State for Management. José Cunningham currently holds that position in an acting capacity.
As the story develops, Florence Daily News will continue to follow how this proposal might impact the city and the many U.S.-Italy programs that have long been anchored in Florence.