jaw-dropping move that could reshape the federal workforce, Donald Trump’s administration is planning to sell off half of all federal properties—leaving government employees scrambling to figure out where they’ll work. This drastic shift comes amid Trump’s aggressive push to end remote work and force federal employees back to the office.
The General Services Administration (GSA) reportedly sent notices confirming plans to offload roughly 7,500 federal buildings across the country, a decision that appears to contradict Trump’s demand for a return to in-person work. The administration is banking on this move to slash government spending, with senior officials claiming it could save up to $100 billion.
Massive Government Downsizing Underway
Trump’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce are already in full swing. He recently signed an executive order imposing a 90-day hiring freeze on federal agencies—excluding military, immigration enforcement, and national security positions. Federal employees were also given until February 6 to decide whether to resign in exchange for an eight-month severance package, a move heavily criticized by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which warned of the chaos it could unleash on government operations.
The GSA’s Public Buildings Service (PBS) Commissioner Michael Peters justified the sell-off by pointing to “a gross excess of space” and mounting maintenance costs. He argued that downsizing was necessary to curb “excess spending” and improve working conditions. The plan involves a radical 50% reduction in non-DoD federal building space, achieved through more efficient use of office space and workforce reductions.
Will There Be Offices Left for Federal Employees?
Trump’s recent order demanding all federal employees return to their offices “as soon as practicable” seems to clash with the administration’s plan to liquidate federal real estate. If half of government office spaces are sold off, where will returning employees work?
Former GSA officials warn that the rushed approach could have severe consequences. One anonymous source told the Federal News Network, “Mass layoffs and downsizing without understanding the long-term impact could disrupt mission-critical infrastructure.”
Washington Post columnist Heather Long also criticized the decision, warning that selling off government properties too quickly could result in a “fire sale,” ultimately shortchanging taxpayers. She noted that the GSA had already reduced office space by 43% between 2013 and 2023 and argued that further reductions should be gradual rather than abrupt.
What’s Next?
While details remain unclear, GSA employees have reportedly been told to brace for a non-voluntary Reduction in Force (RIF) shortly after Thursday. Peters admitted there is no concrete plan for implementing the real estate downsizing, but one thing is clear—the federal workforce is about to look very different.
