The iconic Ronald Reagan building situated in downtown Washington, D.C., is poised for a significant transformation as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is set to take over the longstanding home base of the Agency for International Development (USAID). This development has been officially verified by Fox News Digital.
A spokesperson for CBP confirmed to Fox News Digital that the agency has finalized a licensing agreement to occupy around 390,000 usable square feet within the USAID tower. This news, initially brought to light by Politico, follows a recent ruling by a federal judge which denied a temporary injunction preventing President Donald Trump from downsizing the USAID workforce, thus enabling the administration to proceed with its intended substantial cuts across federal departments.
In a symbolic gesture, departing USAID employees bid farewell to their workplace by sending a message to President Trump through boxes as they vacated the premises for the final time. The USAID, a longstanding agency dedicated to foreign aid, was swiftly targeted for cuts by the new administration, prompting legal action from federal worker unions in a bid to halt the layoffs.
The lawsuit alleged that the Trump administration obstructed medical evacuations for USAID personnel and their family members stationed overseas, as well as impeded contractor access to emergency communication services. Moreover, it challenged the constitutional validity of the abrupt budget reductions, arguing that such decisions necessitate approval from Congress.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols noted that the agency remained operational, and the grievances cited by the plaintiffs primarily stemmed from their ongoing employment connections with USAID. As the agency grapples with a substantial reduction in workforce and the relinquishment of its historic headquarters, uncertainties loom regarding the future trajectory of USAID and its core mission.
In a strategic move, the State Department recently disclosed the appointment of Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting administrator of USAID, hinting at potential restructuring of its operations under the State Department’s purview. The State Department underscored the need to realign USAID’s activities with America’s foremost interests, emphasizing a commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds and advancing a nationalistic agenda.
(Source: Fox News – Border Patrol taking control of former USAID HQ)
