Trump could sell Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco amid DOGE cuts
The Trump administration is reportedly looking to sell two prominent federal buildings in San Francisco, including the recently renamed Nancy Pelosi Federal Building. The Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, previously known as the San Francisco Federal Building, was dedicated to the former House speaker in December. The 18-story tower, located on Mission and 7th streets, has been plagued by issues such as open-air drug dealing and illegal markets reselling stolen goods.
In addition to the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, the 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. Both properties have been earmarked as “non-core” assets to possibly be sold off, according to reports from KGO-TV and the San Francisco Chronicle.
The decision to potentially sell these buildings comes after concerns about safety and security. In 2023, hundreds of federal employees at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) assigned to the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building were instructed to work from home due to worsening safety concerns. The building has faced criticism for its proximity to drug dealing and other criminal activities.
Former Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier expressed concerns about the potential sales, suggesting that it may be a form of retaliation by President Trump against Democrats and California. She highlighted the financial implications, pointing out that federal taxes would not be paid if the buildings were sold to private investors.
The Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, an energy-efficient “green” structure opened in 2007 at a cost of $144 million, was previously described by Trump as one of the ugliest structures in San Francisco. A developer who worked on the building criticized the project as a waste of taxpayer money, suggesting that costs were significantly higher than if the project had been funded by the private sector.
The potential sales are part of the Trump administration’s efforts to downsize federal government bureaucracy, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The move comes as downtown San Francisco faces high vacancy rates, with the overall vacancy reaching 37% and the Mid-Market area sitting at 55%.
Despite the potential sales, concerns remain about security and safety in the area. The Federal Protective Service has increased security measures since the formal dedication of the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building, which houses offices for various federal agencies. Residents have raised concerns about the impact of armed security for federal employees while everyday citizens lack the same level of protection.
As discussions around the potential sales continue, stakeholders including Pelosi’s office, the GSA, and the White House have been contacted for comment. The future of these federal buildings in San Francisco remains uncertain as the Trump administration seeks to streamline government operations and address safety concerns in the area.
