The Trump administration has ordered relocations of employees across at least six federal agencies during the summer months, citing goals to reduce the government’s real estate footprint, cut costs, and decentralize operations away from the Washington, D.C. area. However, an NPR review of public records indicates the moves are costing the government money rather than saving it, with agencies continuing to pay millions in annual rent for vacated office spaces while simultaneously paying for new facilities.
NASA employees who previously worked at Columbia University in Manhattan were forced to relocate to four separate New York City locations, yet the federal government continues paying over $2.5 million annually for the now-empty floors at the original location until 2031. Similarly, the USDA is renting space in Alexandria, Virginia for more than $4 million yearly through 2034 while relocating employees to other buildings. Federal workers report the relocations have been poorly coordinated with inadequate communication, workplace disruptions, and substandard conditions at new facilities. USDA employees moving to a Maryland location encountered bedbug infestations, while Consumer Financial Protection Bureau staff struggled with non-functional Wi-Fi for several weeks at their new building.
The Forest Service began relocating approximately 600 employees during peak wildfire season despite assuring Congress the moves would occur after firefighting operations concluded. The Army Corps of Engineers notified over 400 Manhattan-based workers of mandatory relocation to undetermined New Jersey locations with minimal advance notice, and no new lease had been signed as of late July despite some employees being required to relocate by mid-August. These communication failures and uncertainty have already prompted experienced staff to resign from multiple agencies.
Union representatives and lawmakers argue the relocations violate federal law requiring congressional authorization for significant real estate decisions and large-scale employee movements. Two legal complaints were filed in July, including one by the D.C. Attorney General’s office challenging HUD’s relocation from Washington to Alexandria without congressional approval. The lawsuits claim such moves exceed agency authority and undermine congressional intent regarding federal operations and workforce management.
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