In a significant move by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to reduce government personnel and operations, the agency responsible for managing federal employee worksites nationwide is now being directed to downsize office space. Regional managers at the General Services Administration (GSA) recently received a directive from the agency’s Washington headquarters to start terminating leases for approximately 7,500 federal offices across the country, as per an email shared with The Associated Press by a GSA employee. This decision appears to contrast with Trump’s call for federal employees to return to the office, further complicating the GSA’s efforts to accommodate employees who have been working remotely for years.
The Trump administration may be anticipating fewer office needs due to ongoing staff reduction efforts. Find out more about the GSA and Trump’s administration leveraging it for changes within federal agencies:
What is the General Services Administration?
Established in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman, the GSA functions as the government’s real estate agent, handling federal property management for various agencies. Initially tasked with disposing of war surplus goods post-World War II, the GSA now oversees workplace procurement for over a million federal civilian employees, manages historic building preservation, and coordinates government purchases from commercial suppliers. The agency currently owns and leases more than 363 million square feet of space across 8,397 buildings in over 2,200 communities nationwide.
What does Trump want the GSA to do?
Under the direction of Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, the GSA has been instructed to focus on terminating leases for around 7,500 federal offices nationwide. A senior GSA manager emphasized that lease terminations are the immediate priority, with a goal of potentially ending up to 300 leases per day. Regional managers have been tasked with executing this directive swiftly, amid concerns of potential backlash.
Who is spearheading Trump’s initiatives regarding the GSA?
Nicole Hollander, a real estate professional embedded at the GSA headquarters, is reportedly leading the effort as per insider information. With a background in real estate and a presence in the Washington area, Hollander’s role in this initiative has drawn attention. Her LinkedIn profile suggests experience in real estate acquisitions, with a focus on the recent activities within the GSA related to Musk’s acquisitions and property auctions.
While he appreciates “beautiful federal civic architecture,” the president tends to steer clear of styles that veer away from tradition. Has Trump clashed with the GSA in the past? Yes, indeed. In the aftermath of his triumph in November, Trump opted out of signing an agreement with the GSA, a move that would have granted his team access to secure government offices and email accounts. This decision stemmed partly from the stipulation that the then-president-elect would need to cap contributions at $5,000 and disclose the identities of those contributing to his transition efforts. It wasn’t until late November, well beyond the deadline, that Trump finally struck a deal with President Joe Biden’s White House, permitting transition staff to collaborate with the existing federal workforce in preparation for assuming office on January 20. Reporting by Kinnard from Houston and Goodman from Miami.
