Education Department to give headquarters to Energy Department in latest downsizing move

The Trump administration says Department of Education will give its current headquarters to the Energy Department later this year and move into a smaller building in southwest Washington, D.C.

The administration said Thursday the planned moves will save U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars and fill empty space within government buildings. The Education Department's building is currently 70% vacant.

The department workers are expected to leave the Lyndon B. Johnson building in August and move into 500 D Street SW. The move is part of President Donald Trump's order to downsize the department and return education to states.

"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," Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement. 

"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."

The department said the change in location will save U.S. taxpayers $4.8 million annually in operating costs, while the Energy Department's move is expected to save Americans over $350 million in deferred maintenance costs.  

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

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.