1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The timing of the Trump administration's decision to decimate the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office) is deeply concerning. This office has played a vital role for over two decades in combating the global scourge of human trafficking through programs that strengthen civil society, train prosecutors, and assist countries in developing effective anti-trafficking measures. The cuts have left the TIP Office severely understaffed, with only a third of its workforce remaining after the recent reduction in force. This crippling of the office's expertise and capacity directly undermines the administration's stated commitment to disrupting human trafficking networks and protecting victims. It is a severe setback in the fight against modern slavery and sexual exploitation. The decision seems to run counter to President Trump's rhetoric about cracking down on cartels involved in human trafficking across borders. Rather than weakening this critical office, the administration should be bolstering efforts to combat a crime that entraps millions globally in forced labor and sexual exploitation. Restoring full staffing and resources to the TIP Office is imperative to upholding America's leadership in this human rights struggle. We urge you to press the administration to reverse these damaging cuts that leave victims at risk and enable traffickers to operate with impunity.