Politics
Trump Admin Moves to Sell Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, Democrats Cry Foul
By Jake Beardslee · February 25, 2025
Trump Admin Moves to Sell Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, Democrats Cry Foul
The Trump administration is reportedly moving forward with plans to sell the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco, sparking criticism from California Democrats. According to WABC-TV, the administration also aims to offload a second property at 50 United Nations Plaza, citing cost-saving measures as the primary motivation. The White House / US Department of Labor / Wikimedia
Former Representative Speier Warns of Long-Term Costs
The sale would allow the federal government to cut expenses on maintenance while leasing office space as needed. However, some critics see the move as politically motivated. Former California Democratic Representative Jackie Speier claimed that the decision unfairly singles out political opponents.“It’s another example of how he is coming after Democrats,” Speier said. “He’s coming after California, and it’s all about payback.”
Speier also warned that leasing space rather than owning could result in higher costs over time, noting that the federal government would end up paying property taxes as part of rental agreements, whereas it currently does not pay taxes on federally owned properties. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY NETWORK
Trump Targets Presidio Trust in Government Downsizing Effort
In addition to the planned property sales, Trump issued an executive order targeting the Presidio Trust, an agency managing 1,500 acres of historic sites in San Francisco. The order reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reducing federal bureaucracy.“It is the policy of my Administration to dramatically reduce the size of the Federal Government, while increasing its accountability to the American people,” the order states. “Reducing the size of the Federal Government will minimize Government waste and abuse, reduce inflation, and promote American freedom and innovation.”
Despite the order, the Presidio Trust maintained that it has been self-sustaining since 2013 and does not rely on federal funding. The agency stated that it will continue operations as usual and submit a report to the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the order. The White House / Wikimedia
California Democrats Push Back Against Federal Actions
California Democrats remain strongly opposed to the administration’s actions. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s office criticized the executive order, asserting that the Presidio Trust is “statutory, and it has been protected from assaults over time by its statutory strength.” Pelosi’s office added that they would carefully analyze the language and intent behind the order. DreiKubik / Pixabay