WASHINGTON — Federal education officials announced Thursday they will vacate their main Washington headquarters and move to a smaller office location as the Trump administration continues its effort to eliminate the department.
Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the agency has experienced significant staff reductions through widespread layoffs, leaving the current headquarters building mostly empty at 70% vacancy, according to department officials. The Energy Department will take over the building lease once Education vacates the premises.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon described the move as a significant step forward in the administration’s plan to close the department entirely, an order Trump issued one year ago.
“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,” McMahon stated in a written announcement.
The department’s transition to its new Washington office location is set to occur in August.
Federal officials indicated the relocation will reduce taxpayer costs by eliminating unused office space and preventing the need for costly repairs required at the Energy Department’s existing headquarters facility.
