• Maryland officials are pushing back against the Trump administration’s decision to keep the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., instead of relocating it to Prince George’s County, citing taxpayer concerns, economic opportunities, and overreach in the decision-making process.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — The Trump administration’s decision to keep the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., rather than relocating it to Greenbelt, Maryland, has sparked outrage among Maryland officials. Prince George’s County leaders argue the move disregards years of planning, undermines local economic growth, and leaves taxpayers footing the bill for an inefficient process.

The FBI announced on July 1 that its new headquarters would be situated in the Ronald Reagan Building complex in Washington, D.C. This decision reversed plans to build a state-of-the-art facility in Greenbelt, Maryland, approved during the Biden administration. President Trump vetoed the relocation, citing the high costs of construction and its burden on taxpayers.

“Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost-effective and resource-efficient way to carry out our mission,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a press release. Stephen Ehikian, acting Administrator for the General Services Administration, echoed this sentiment, saying the Reagan Building better supports the FBI’s operational goals.

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Maryland’s Decade-Long Push Faces Setback

Maryland officials, however, are not backing down. Prince George’s County leaders invested over a decade into planning for the relocation, pausing other development projects in anticipation. “We won it fair and square,” said County Executive Aisha Braveboy in comments to NBC4 Washington. “We intend to use every resource to advocate for the headquarters moving here.”

Taxpayer Accountability and Economic Impact

Lawmakers from Maryland are questioning the transparency and fairness of the decision-making process. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) criticized the abrupt reversal, asking, “Why even have a process if it can be blown up at the last minute?” Maryland leaders also argue that relocating the headquarters to Greenbelt would have boosted local businesses and created jobs, benefiting the area’s economy.

Political and Practical Consequences

Despite Maryland’s opposition, the Trump administration remains firm. The decision underscores broader debates about government overreach and fiscal responsibility. Maryland officials are expected to challenge the move in Congress, pointing to the necessity of legislative oversight to finalize the relocation.

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