Diplomatic experts in the State Department were laid off on Thursday as part of the transition into the new administration.

Multiple employees in the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources and the Counselor offices lost their jobs.

The lay-offs were carried out by Rex Tillerson's aides as the Secretary of State embarked on his first foreign trip in his new role to Germany.

The lay-offs were carried out by Rex Tillerson's aides as the Secretary of State embarked on his first foreign trip in his new role to Germany

The move has fueled speculation that the Trump administration seeks to stamp its authority on global affairs with key foreign policy being controlled directly from the White House, instead of by diplomats.

Among the lay-offs is rumored to be veteran Counselor of the State Department Kristie Kenney.

Staff working for the former ambassador, who served under the Obama, Bush and Clinton administrations, were told her role will not be filled in the near future.

Former Assistant Secretary for Non-Proliferation Tom Countryman, who was let go last month, criticized the redundancies and said he feared the White House is planning to not rely on State Department experts when conducting foreign policy.

'It is irresponsible to let qualified, nonpartisan, experienced people go before you have any idea of their replacement,' he told CBS News. 'You can't do foreign policy by sitting in the White House, just out of your back pocket.'

Mr Tillerson, pictured in Bonn on Thursday, took over as Secretary of State two weeks ago

There were no State Department officials present at Mr Trump's meetings with Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday although Mr Tillerson, who took over his role two weeks ago, did meet with the two leaders for dinner on Tuesday night.

The Secretary of State was in Bonn on Thursday to meet his foreign counterparts at a G20 event.

A spokesman for the State Department said: 'As part of the transition from one administration to the next we continue to build out our team.

Mr Trump promised his administration would 'take care' of 'mass instability overseas'

'The State Department is supported by a very talented group of individuals, both Republicans and Democrats.

'We are appreciative to any American who dedicates their talents to public service.‎'

At a press conference at the White House on Thursday, Mr Trump referred to 'mass instability overseas', citing the Middle East and North Korea.

But he promised his administration would tackle the issue.

He said: 'We'll take care of it folks; we're going to take care of it all. I just want to let you know, I inherited a mess.'