Trump administration relocates HUD to new Virginia headquarters while displacing hundreds of NSF scientists from current D.C. office space Trump administration relocates HUD to new Virginia headquarters while displacing hundreds of NSF scientists from current D.C. office space

There’s a storm brewing in D.C.—and it’s not about politics this time, at least not directly.

A controversial office move ordered by the Trump administration is shaking up two major federal agencies, sparking outrage from union reps, scientists, and lawmakers alike.

On paper, it’s just a relocation. In practice, it’s a hot-button fight over priorities, perks, and the future of American science.

HUD Secretary Gets Shiny New Digs—While NSF Staff Are Left Hanging

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner is poised to move into a gleaming high-rise, complete with a 19th-floor executive suite, private dining room, reserved parking, and even talk of a personal gym.

All this comes as HUD prepares to move its 2,700 employees out of their aging downtown headquarters.

But here’s the catch: the building Turner is moving into is currently home to the National Science Foundation (NSF)—and the 1,800 NSF employees who work there say they’re being left completely in the dark.

Union Slams “Callous” Disregard for Federal Scientists

The American Federation of Government Employees Local 3403, which represents NSF workers, says its members were blindsided.

“While Secretary Turner and his staff are busy enjoying private dining and a custom gym,” the union said, “NSF employees are being displaced with no plan, no communication, and no respect.”

They also criticized the administration’s overall treatment of the NSF, pointing to earlier budget cuts, slashed staffing, and reduced science grant funding.

Lawmakers Join the Outcry Over Priorities

Representative Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Science Committee, didn’t hold back either.

She blasted the move, accusing the Trump administration of evicting top scientists just so HUD’s secretary can have “a penthouse dining suite.”

“How can Trump justify the tax dollars it’ll take to give Scott Turner his own gym or parking for five cars, while scientists are being pushed out?” she asked.

“Once again, science loses—and our competitors, like China, win.”

HUD Pushes Back on the Backlash

Despite the heat, HUD insists there’s more to the story.

In a press conference, Turner denied claims of luxury demands, calling the reports “ridiculous and untrue.”

“This is about HUD’s future,” Turner said. “It’s not about me.

My family was blessed before we came here.

This is about making things better for the employees of HUD—those here now, and those who’ll come later.”

A HUD spokeswoman echoed that message, saying the move is being planned with employee safety in mind and would follow a “staggered and thoughtful approach.”

She dismissed any claims about special treatment or flashy renovations, although she didn’t deny that Turner would benefit from features already built into the building.

Still No Clear Plan for NSF’s Future Space

What’s missing from all the official announcements? A clear answer on where the NSF staff will go next.

HUD’s press release praises the move for unlocking taxpayer savings, improving work culture, and avoiding the costly upkeep of its current building.

But it says little about how the NSF’s work will be impacted—or where their staff will actually land.

For context, the NSF only moved into this building a few years ago, after being relocated from downtown D.C. when the Secret Service took over its prior offices.

GSA Scrambles to Justify Building List Changes

The General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees federal properties, also finds itself in the spotlight.

Originally, HUD’s current building was on a list of government properties set to be disposed of.

But the final version of that list has changed.

A fact sheet now simply says the list was shortened “due to the overwhelming response” the original proposal received.

Research Cuts Face Legal Challenge from Universities

And this all comes as the Trump administration faces a separate backlash from the scientific community.

A federal judge has temporarily halted sweeping cuts to research funding tied to “indirect” costs—money that supports labs and scientists at universities nationwide.

The University of California system, one of the plaintiffs suing the administration, estimates it could lose nearly $100 million annually if the changes go through.