The Trump administration has announced plans to sell off hundreds of “non-core” federal properties, according to the General Services Administration (GSA).
This move is part of an ongoing effort to reduce federal spending, with the administration claiming it could save more than $430 million annually in operating costs. pic -flickr
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The List of Properties for Sale
Initially, GSA released a list of 440 “non-core” federal properties, which included high-profile buildings such as the FBI headquarters, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Federal Trade Commission.
The list also featured GSA’s headquarters and the Old Post Office, which was leased by the Trump Organization before being sold to Waldorf Astoria in 2022.
However, the list was later revised, reducing the number of properties to 320 and excluding those based in Washington, DC.
Why These Properties Are Being Sold
According to the GSA, most of the listed buildings are primarily office spaces that are either underutilized or empty.
The goal is to offload these properties to ensure taxpayers no longer foot the bill for underused federal office space. GSA emphasized that certain “core” assets—such as courthouses and key law enforcement or national defense facilities—will be retained.
Despite these assurances, several courthouses, including the U.S. Courthouse in Los Angeles, were included on the list, raising concerns about the sale of essential government buildings.
A Nationwide Plan
While many of the properties are in the Washington, DC area, the list spans across the U.S., from Alaska to Florida.
This nationwide effort comes as the Trump administration orders federal workers to return to their offices, signaling an end to the more flexible Covid-era work policies. GSA did not specify where employees will be relocated if these properties are sold.
Efficiency Plans Involving Elon Musk’s Team
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been collaborating with GSA to consolidate office spaces and encourage federal agencies to share facilities. A new program called "space match" will allow agency heads to report their space needs and share office resources.
However, the process of closing buildings and relocating employees is expected to be costly. GSA will face significant expenses, including cleaning out the buildings and potentially purchasing new IT infrastructure or furniture for displaced workers.
Aligning with Trump’s Campaign Promises
The potential sale of these federal buildings aligns with Trump’s 2024 campaign promises, in which he vowed to relocate federal jobs from Washington, DC, to areas with more patriotic Americans.
This initiative echoes his previous efforts to move federal agencies outside of Washington, such as the relocation of the Bureau of Land Management headquarters to Grand Junction, Colorado, during his first term.
A Vision for Efficiency and Cost Reduction
As part of a broader initiative to cut costs and streamline government operations, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have asked federal agencies to submit proposals for relocating offices and increasing efficiency.
Agencies are expected to submit these plans by April 14, with implementation deadlines set for September 30.
This push for efficiency and cost reduction continues to shape the Trump administration’s strategy to reshape the federal government and reduce its footprint in Washington.
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Written By HowNHowTo.com