A new GOP bill empowers President Trump to sell off the federal building named after Nancy Pelosi in San Francisco as part of a broader effort to reduce government waste and tackle the national debt.
Quick Takes
- The SWAMP Act directs the GSA to sell the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building at market value
- Rep. Buddy Carter introduced the bill, which stands for “Stop Wasteful Allocations of Money for Pelosi”
- The 18-story building houses various government offices, including Pelosi’s district office
- President Trump previously criticized the building in a 2020 executive order
- The national debt now exceeds $36 trillion, driving calls for fiscal responsibility
GOP Pushes for Sale of Pelosi Building
House Republicans are advancing legislation that would authorize President Trump to sell the Speaker Nancy Pelosi Federal Building in San Francisco. The bill, introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), explicitly directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to sell the 18-story structure at fair market value for its “highest and best use.” The legislation, officially titled the Stop Wasteful Allocations of Money for Pelosi (SWAMP) Act, represents part of a broader Republican strategy to implement President Trump’s agenda following his election victory and return to the White House.
The Pelosi building has been a particular target for Republicans, who see it as a symbol of government excess and wasteful spending. Housing multiple federal offices, including Pelosi’s own district headquarters, the building has drawn criticism for its cost and maintenance expenses at a time when the national debt continues to climb. The GSA has stated that any potential sale would be part of efforts to reduce deferred liability costs, though Republicans have been more direct about their motivations.
Trump could sell Nancy Pelosi Federal Building 'at fair market value' under new GOP 'SWAMP' bill | Elizabeth Elkind & Danielle Wallace, Fox News
A 2020 Trump order called the building 'one of the ugliest' in San Francisco
A House GOP lawmaker wants to clear the path for… pic.twitter.com/8LFUFee4dl
— Owen Gregorian (@OwenGregorian) March 7, 2025
Fiscal Responsibility at the Forefront
The push to sell the Pelosi building aligns with Republican priorities to reduce government spending and property holdings. President Trump previously targeted the building in a 2020 executive order, where he reportedly called it “one of the ugliest structures” in San Francisco. The current legislation would convert that executive vision into legislative action, giving the administration clear authority to proceed with the sale of the property.
“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
Carter’s statement underscores the financial rationale behind the proposed sale, with Republicans arguing that the federal government should not be maintaining costly buildings named after politicians when the nation faces significant debt challenges. The legislation represents one of several initiatives expected from House Republicans aimed at reducing federal property holdings and cutting what they view as unnecessary government expenditures.
Political Implications
While the GSA has denied that potential property sales are politically motivated, the targeting of a building named after former Speaker Pelosi has obvious political dimensions. The bill comes as Republicans look to systematically implement President Trump’s policy goals after regaining control of both the White House and Congress. Fox News Digital reported reaching out to Pelosi’s office for comment on the legislation but received no response as of publication time.
The bill directs that the sale must be conducted at fair market value, ensuring taxpayers would receive appropriate compensation for the property. If passed, the legislation would represent a significant symbolic victory for Republicans who have long criticized government spending on projects they consider vanity endeavors rather than essential services. The fate of the bill now rests with the Republican-controlled Congress, where it is expected to receive strong support from the majority.
