The Trump administration is reportedly considering the sale of two major federal buildings in San Francisco, including the recently named Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, according to local news outlets.
The Pelosi Federal Building, an 18-story tower completed two decades ago, was officially dedicated to the former House Speaker in December. The building, previously known as the San Francisco Federal Building, stands in an area plagued by rampant crime, including open-air drug dealing and illegal markets selling stolen goods. This location has long been notorious for its high crime rates, raising serious concerns about the safety of those working in the area.
In addition to the Pelosi Federal Building, the Trump administration is also looking at selling the 1930s-era federal building at 50 United Nations Plaza. This building currently houses the regional headquarters of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The potential sales were reported by local media, including KGO-TV and the San Francisco Chronicle, with sources citing GSA documents labeling these federal properties as “non-core” assets that could be sold off to reduce unnecessary government holdings.
This move follows growing concerns over safety in federal buildings. In 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) instructed hundreds of employees to work from home due to worsening crime and drug-related issues near the building. Republican leaders like Sen. Joni Ernst from Iowa called for the closure of these unsafe facilities, pointing out the dangers posed to federal workers.
Critics from the left, like former Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier, claim that the sale of these buildings is part of Trump’s ongoing vendetta against California Democrats. She also criticized the long-term lease arrangements, arguing that the taxpayers end up bearing the brunt of the costs.
In 2020, President Trump criticized the Pelosi Federal Building, describing it as one of the least attractive structures in the city. Many local residents and workers also voiced dissatisfaction with its appearance and the high construction costs, with estimates suggesting that it was built at least 50% more expensively than it would have been had the private sector been involved.
The planned sale of these buildings fits into the Trump administration’s broader efforts to reduce government inefficiency. Under the leadership of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the federal government is aiming to streamline its operations and reduce unnecessary assets.
Meanwhile, the commercial real estate market in downtown San Francisco has been struggling. Vacancy rates in the area have soared to 37%, with the Mid-Market area alone seeing an astounding 55% vacancy rate. This is part of a larger trend, with companies like Musk’s X Corp. (formerly Twitter) moving to Texas, seeking more favorable economic conditions outside of California.
The situation around the Pelosi Federal Building continues to evolve. As of December, increased security was implemented around the facility, which now houses several federal offices, including HHS and the Department of Labor. But many San Francisco residents are frustrated, noting that the increased security benefits federal employees, while the broader public continues to face high crime rates in the area.