A new GOP bill could see President Trump sell off the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco as part of a broader push toward federal fiscal responsibility and property management reform.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Buddy Carter has introduced the SWAMP Act to authorize the sale of the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building at fair market value.
- The 18-story federal building in San Francisco houses multiple government offices, including Pelosi’s district office.
- The proposed sale aligns with President Trump’s previous criticisms of the building and his broader agenda to reduce federal property holdings.
- The GSA maintains the potential sale is part of efforts to reduce deferred liability costs, not politically motivated.
- The bill represents part of House Republicans’ strategy to advance Trump’s agenda through legislation.
GOP Lawmaker Targets Pelosi Building in Fiscal Responsibility Push
Representative Buddy Carter has introduced legislation that would direct the General Services Administration (GSA) to sell the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco. The proposed Stop Wasteful Allocations of Money for Pelosi (SWAMP) Act specifically requires the GSA to sell the property at fair market value for its highest and best use, potentially removing the former Speaker’s name from the prominent government building. This move represents one of the first legislative efforts by House Republicans to implement President Trump’s property management vision.
The building has been a target of criticism since Trump’s first administration. In a 2020 executive order, Trump specifically called out the structure as “one of the ugliest” in San Francisco. The 18-story building currently houses various federal offices, including Pelosi’s own district office, making the proposed sale particularly symbolic of the administration’s approach to properties associated with political opponents.
To-Do List:
✅Drain the S.W.A.M.P.
✅Eliminate Wastehttps://t.co/MRQDJp68X7— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) March 6, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility vs. Political Symbolism
Proponents of the bill frame it as a necessary step toward better financial management of federal assets. The GSA has denied political motivations behind considering the building for sale, stating that such decisions are based on reducing deferred liability costs. However, the timing and specific targeting of a building named after the former Democratic Speaker suggests political considerations are at least partly at play.
“We are over $36 trillion in debt. Instead of maintaining expensive, underutilized vanity projects for liberal politicians, the federal government should be focused on efficiency and fiscal responsibility,” said Rep. Buddy Carter.
The building, which was renamed in honor of Pelosi in 2023, has faced scrutiny over its operation and maintenance costs. Critics argue that selling such properties could generate immediate revenue while eliminating ongoing expenses from the federal budget. Fox News Digital reported reaching out to Pelosi’s office for comment on the proposed sale but received no response as of publication time.
Part of Broader Federal Property Reform Efforts
The SWAMP Act appears to be part of a larger initiative by the Trump administration to review and potentially divest federal real estate holdings across the country. This approach mirrors Trump’s previous executive order from 2020, which called for modernizing federal property management. Under that directive, numerous properties were identified for potential sale or redevelopment based on their utilization rates, condition, and maintenance costs.
If passed, the bill would represent one of the first concrete steps in the new administration’s federal property management strategy. The GSA would be required to move forward with the sale regardless of historical or symbolic considerations attached to the building. This strategy signals that the administration intends to prioritize financial considerations over the traditional preservation of buildings named for political figures, particularly those from opposing parties.
Political Implications and Next Steps
The bill’s introduction highlights the renewed confidence House Republicans feel in advancing Trump’s agenda now that he has returned to the White House. While the legislation faces uncertain prospects in the closely divided Congress, it serves as a statement of intent from the GOP regarding federal spending priorities and property management. The sale, if completed, would also remove a visible honor bestowed upon one of Trump’s most prominent political rivals during his first term.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, it will likely become a focal point for debates about federal spending, property management, and the politicization of government buildings. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the proposal demonstrates the administration’s willingness to target symbols associated with Democratic leadership as part of its broader governance approach.
