Marco Rubio’s State Department faces mockery after imposing first-ever dress code on diplomats

WASHINGTON, DC: Marco Rubio’s Department of State has introduced business formal dress code guidance to its internal policy manual for the first time, and people can't get enough.

The policy, meant for both civil service and foreign service employees, was recently added to the Foreign Affairs Manual. As per Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson, who spoke with Fox News Digital, “Representing the United States of America is an honor — and this new policy ensures our diplomats project credibility, respect, and the dignity of the nation we serve.”

State Department official says dress code imposition 'should have happened a long time ago'

Another State Department official justified the move, claiming some diplomats had been dressing “pretty informally” lately. “This should have happened a long time ago,” they added.

The new guideline says, “Appropriate attire and appearance will depend on the duties performed, the work environment, and the level of interaction with foreign interlocutors and other external stakeholders.”

“For staff participating in meetings or other official engagements with foreign interlocutors, dress is Business Formal and personal appearance is polished and professional unless otherwise specified,” it adds.

Netizens ask Marco Rubio to add 'ethics, morality, and honesty' instead of dress code

People on the internet had a lot to say about the new introduction, with Russell Seitz, emeritus fellow in the Center for International Affairs and Department of Physics at Harvard University, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Does this mean Eric and Kash can't wear their Star Trek Uniforms when King Charles comes to dine?” 

Another critic posted on X, “The United States has diplomats? Who knew?”

“They should add ethics, morality, honesty, professionalism, decency and courtesy to whatever 'code' you have. Then someone should make Marco Rubio adhere to it,” one more suggested. 

Ron Filipkowski, editor in chief of the progressive news outlet Meidas Touch, commented on Bluesky, “I didn’t realize we still had diplomats. What do they do?”

“How about America send politicians to Russia or China for diplomacy lessons. There is not one statesman in AMERICA that is respected for their integrity, knowledge, patience, perseverance to peace, trust, loyalty or honor,” an X user suggested.

"Speaking of respectable clothing, is Marco Rubio still wearing those giant shoes?" one more asked. 

Another tweet read, "You guys are idiots! You don’t think our diplomats know how to dress? You gonna make them wear Florschiems? Maybe you need to focus on the stupidity of Trumps policies! Or actually have diplomats do the negotiations instead of Trumps stooges that make side deals all the time!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.