Trump administration turnover of South Building, Braddock Place to GSA ‘imminent’

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, joined by General Services Administrator Edward Forst, on Wednesday announced the “imminent disposal” of the USDA South Building and Braddock Place in an event outside the South Building.

In a news release, USDA described the buildings as “dilapidated,” but the South Building was constructed in the 1930s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means selling it for another purpose may be complicated. It is connected to the USDA headquarters building by arches.

Rollins, Vaden and Forst said they are “returning resources to the American taxpayer, effectuating the vision of President Donald J. Trump, and reducing the real estate footprint of the U.S. government in the National Capital Region.”

“This is a long overdue move to protect American taxpayer dollars from being wasted on expensive real estate inside the Washington, D.C., area when our government should be closer to the farmers and ranchers we serve,” Rollins said. “More than 85% of the South Building is unoccupied, and there is a $1.6 billion backlog in deferred maintenance. It is simply unacceptable to put these costs on the taxpayer. We are being strong stewards of taxpayer dollars while also ensuring top-notch customer service and fulfilling our promises to American farmers.”

“President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region,” said Vaden. “The prior administration not only burdened the taxpayer through questionable policymaking, but also by maintaining a massive, underutilized real estate footprint that USDA’s budget could not sustain. Today’s announcement cements the beginning of USDA’s larger reorganization, ensuring this department delivers on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its financial resources.”

“GSA remains committed to executing President Trump’s vision of reducing the bloated federal real estate portfolio and turning fiscal drain and empty space into economic opportunity,” said Forst. “I commend Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership for the proactive approach to meeting the needs of their workforce and saving taxpayer money.”

Government Executive noted that the GSA process could result in the sale of the building or its use by another government department. 

“Today’s event marks the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s reorganization plan. Each phase will be thoughtful, and completed according to law, and with mindfulness to USDA employees, Congress, and accountability to the American taxpayer,” USDA said in the news release.

USDA livestreamed the event.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., said on X, “I appreciate the leadership of Secretary Rollins and Deputy Secretary Vaden to improve efficiency and ensure USDA uses its space wisely while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. This commitment to reducing nearly vacant facilities and costly maintenance backlogs will help focus resources on where they matter most and strengthen the department’s mission to serve rural America.”