U.S. Department of Education to Downsize Footprint in Washington, D.C. and Save Taxpayers Over $4.8 Million Annually

In a prudent step to save hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and further reduce the federal education bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Edward C. Forst today announced that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will move out of the Lyndon B. Johnson headquarters building. ED will relocate to 500 D Street SW, saving taxpayers approximately $4.8 million annually in operating costs and eliminating wasted space in a building that is roughly 70% vacant. ED's move is targeted for August 2026.

The U.S. Department of Energy (Energy) will move out of its outdated James V. Forrestal building and assume the lease on the Lyndon B. Johnson building. By avoiding major and necessary maintenance on their current building, Energy's move to the ED headquarters will save taxpayers over $350 million in deferred maintenance costs.

"One year ago, President Trump signed one of the most consequential executive orders of his presidency - to break up the federal education bureaucracy and return education to the states," said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. "Thanks to the hard work of so many, we have made unprecedented progress in reducing the federal education footprint, and now we are pleased to give this building to an agency that will benefit far more from its space than the Department of Education. This is an important step in our efforts to forge brighter futures for our nation's students, honor the taxpayers who invest in their promise, and support the civil servants who keep this vital work moving forward."

"Relocating to the LBJ building will deliver significant taxpayer savings and will ensure the Energy Department continues to deliver on its mission," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. "We look forward to working closely with the General Services Administration and the Education Department throughout this process."

"GSA is partnering with the Department of Education and the Department of Energy to match their missions of tomorrow with ideal environments that powers their talented workforce, cuts waste, and lowers costs," said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. "This is the government working smarter for the American people. I want to thank Secretary Wright and Secretary McMahon for their positive energy and collaboration in executing President Trump's directive to strengthen the government's real estate portfolio."

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