Trump Administration Plans Sale of VOA Headquarters to Cut Costs

The U.S. government, under the leadership of President Trump, is considering the sale of the Voice of America (VOA) headquarters building. This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing the scale of government-owned real estate, known as the "accelerated disposition" plan. The VOA headquarters, officially named the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building, is located just two blocks south of the U.S. Capitol. The building is not only home to VOA but also houses other significant federal agencies, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This decision comes at a time when the Trump administration is actively seeking to downsize federal operations. The administration has plans to close VOA and its sister networks, such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia. These actions are driven by the administration's goal to reduce the federal government's footprint, a strategy advocated by billionaire advisor Elon Musk. The sale of the VOA headquarters is part of a larger effort to streamline federal operations and cut costs. The administration has identified several high-profile buildings for potential sale, including the VOA headquarters. The sale of these properties is expected to generate significant revenue for the government, which can be used to fund other priorities.

The potential sale of the VOA headquarters raises concerns for the employees and contractors of the government-run international news network. Even if they manage to convince Congress or the courts to reverse the funding cuts, the sale of the building could leave them without a place to operate. A federal judge had previously issued a temporary injunction to halt the closure of VOA, but an appeals court later ruled that the Trump administration could stop funding the network. The sale of the VOA headquarters is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to reduce the government's real estate holdings. This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline federal operations and cut costs.

Recently, other federal properties have been listed for sale, including federal courthouses in Los Angeles and Cleveland, a food safety inspection lab in St. Louis, and the headquarters of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington. The General Services Administration (GSA), which manages federal properties, has listed 443 properties for potential sale. Despite federal laws requiring that surplus properties be offered to government agencies and non-profits before being sold to private buyers, the GSA has expedited the process to allow for simultaneous property inspections and regulatory compliance. This accelerated process aims to ensure that potential buyers can conduct due diligence while the GSA completes the necessary legal procedures.

In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to further reduce federal bureaucracy, which included the USAGM among the eight federal agencies targeted for downsizing. The administration has criticized VOA and other government-funded media outlets for not effectively promoting the "American story" and for allegedly aiding propaganda efforts of other countries. The administration's efforts to close VOA and its sister networks have been met with resistance, including legal challenges from employees and contractors. Despite these challenges, the administration has continued to push forward with its plans to downsize federal operations and reduce costs.