Former President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision of Congress to authorize the Department of Justice to allocate $300 million for the construction of a new FBI Headquarters in Maryland.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump voiced his opposition to the relocation of the FBI Headquarters, advocating for its continued presence in the heart of the nation's capital.
"The FBI Headquarters should not be moved to a far away location, but should stay right where it is, in a new and spectacular building, in the best location in our now crime ridden and filthy dirty, graffiti scarred, Capital," Trump wrote. He further emphasized the FBI's role in restoring the city's safety and grandeur, stating, "They should be involved in bringing back D.C., not running away from it, especially the violent crime."
Trump, who has been vocal about his plans to restore and rebuild Washington, D.C., expressed his vision for the city as the "crown jewel" of the nation. "An important part of my platform for President is to bring back, restore, and rebuild Washington, D.C., into the crown jewel of our Nation. We will make it crime free and GREAT AGAIN," he added.
The former president concluded his post with a firm stance against the relocation of the FBI, stating, "The FBI should not be fleeing for safer, yet much less convenient, environs. It should make where they are now the safest place on earth! DONT MOVE THE FBI!"
The General Services Administration (GSA) announced last month that it had chosen Greenbelt, Maryland, as the new location for the FBI Headquarters. The GSA justified the decision by citing the lower cost to taxpayers, improved transportation access for FBI employees and visitors, and a more predictable project delivery schedule.
Despite efforts by Representative Matt Gaetz to eliminate funding for the new building from the appropriations bill, his amendment was rejected by a vote of 273-145, with 70 Republicans siding with Democrats.
Axios reported that the search for a new location has been ongoing for several years but was halted in 2018 during Trump's presidency.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Representative Steny Hoyer lauded the move as a "historic moment," stating in a joint statement, "For decades, the dilapidated J. Edgar Hoover Building has failed to meet the FBI's operational needs, which has undermined our national security."
Login