Trump Eyes Sale of Pelosi Federal Building in SF Amid DOGE Downsizing

Trump Eyes Sale of Pelosi Federal Building in SF Amid DOGE Downsizing

President Donald Trump’s White House is reportedly exploring plans to sell two major federal properties in San Francisco, including the recently renamed Nancy Pelosi Federal Building. Local reports indicate that the Pelosi building—an 18-story tower on Mission and 7th streets—might soon be put on the market as part of a broader initiative to reduce federal bureaucracy.

A Controversial Property Under Scrutiny

Originally known as the San Francisco Federal Building, the structure was rededicated in December in honor of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Despite its prestigious namesake, the building has been plagued by issues including open-air drug dealing and illegal markets in its vicinity. In 2023, hundreds of federal employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services were directed to work from home due to mounting safety concerns, prompting calls from lawmakers such as Sen. Joni Ernst for its closure.
 

Additional Property on the Chopping Block

Alongside the Pelosi building, the Trump administration is also considering selling the 1930s-era federal building at 50 United Nations Plaza, which currently serves as the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) regional headquarters. Citing a GSA document, local outlets including KGO-TV and the San Francisco Chronicle reported that both properties have been classified as "non-core" assets, making them candidates for divestiture.

Political Overtones and Local Reactions

Critics argue that the decision to sell these properties could be politically motivated. Former Democratic Representative Jackie Speier has accused Trump of targeting Democratic strongholds in California, suggesting that the move is part of a broader agenda of “payback.” Speier noted that, unlike federal agencies which are exempt from taxes, private investors would ultimately shoulder rising property taxes—a cost that could hurt local communities.

Local residents have expressed mixed feelings. While federal employees may benefit from heightened security at these facilities, everyday citizens worry that the problems associated with these buildings are merely being shifted elsewhere.

A Wider Federal Downsizing Effort

The potential sale of these federal properties comes as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to streamline government operations through initiatives like Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative aims to reduce federal bureaucracy by selling off non-essential assets, mirroring similar moves in other cities where vacancy rates have soared—San Francisco’s downtown vacancy rate recently reached 37%, with the Mid-Market area hitting 55%.

With federal offices in the Pelosi building housing various agencies such as HHS, the Social Security Administration, and the Departments of Transportation, Labor, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development, the decision to sell these properties signals a significant shift in how the federal government manages its real estate portfolio.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for further updates on this developing story and other key news on federal policy and San Francisco real estate.