WASHINGTON, July 11 (Reuters) - The State Department began firing more than 1,350 U.S.-based employees on Friday as the administration of President Donald Trump presses ahead with an unprecedented overhaul of its diplomatic corps, a move critics say will undermine U.S. ability to defend and promote U.S. interests abroad.

Nearly 2,000 State Department employees face layoffs in a reorganization plan that amounts to a 15% workforce reduction under the Trump administration.

The department says the cuts, part of a reorganization that will see 3,000 total personnel reductions, will slash redundancy and walk back growth over the last 25 years.

Employees of the U.S. State Department could receive a layoff notice via email very soon as part of the Trump administration's plan to downsize the government.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen criticized the State Department’s decision to lay off 1,300 employees as it is seen as a retreat from global commitments and a victory for adversaries such as China and

Videos show emotional scenes as tearful State Department employees emerge to applause from colleagues after being abruptly fired.

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.