The long-awaited decision about where to build the new FBI headquarters has become the latest political battleground. Maryland officials, who have spent years fighting for the new headquarters to be located in Greenbelt, now face a significant challenge: geography.
In a speech on Friday at the Department of Justice, President Donald Trump (R) made it clear that he would stop the plans to build the new FBI headquarters in Maryland. He argued that the new building should stay in Washington, D.C., stating that it was “three hours away” from the current site, located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
The decision to move the headquarters has been controversial for years. In November 2023, the General Services Administration (GSA) chose Greenbelt in Prince George’s County, Maryland, as the location for the new FBI headquarters. Greenbelt was one of three finalists, with the other two sites being Landover, also in Prince George’s County, and Springfield, Virginia. All three sites are located along the Capital Beltway.
However, Trump’s comments are complicated. He suggested that moving the FBI headquarters to a location “three hours away” in Maryland was not a practical choice. Despite Greenbelt being just 16 miles from the current FBI headquarters, Trump dismissed the idea, stating, “They were going to build an FBI headquarters three hours away in Maryland, a liberal state. But that has no bearing on what I’m about to say. We’re going to stop it. I’m not going to let that happen.”
Trump also argued that the new headquarters should be built in the same location as the existing one, which sits on the same block as the Justice Department. He emphasized the need for the FBI to be in close proximity to other agencies for better coordination. Trump claimed he learned this lesson during his “persecution” by the Justice Department, a statement referencing the investigations against him.
His comments came during an hour-long speech in which he accused the Biden administration of using the Justice Department to target him and his supporters. While this may have seemed like an offhand comment, Maryland officials took Trump’s words seriously, signalling that the fight to keep the headquarters in Maryland was far from over.
Maryland Officials Respond to Trump’s Comments
Despite Trump’s stance, Maryland officials remain steadfast in their belief that Greenbelt is the best site for the new headquarters. Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) and the state’s entire congressional delegation, including Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen, along with Representatives Steny Hoyer, Glenn Ivey, Kweisi Mfume, and Jamie Raskin, issued a joint statement expressing their intention to continue advocating for the Maryland site.
In their statement, they underscored that Greenbelt was selected because it offered the best value to taxpayers and met the FBI’s needs for security and space. They also pointed out that the site was chosen after a thorough evaluation process.
“The FBI needs a new headquarters that meets its mission,” the statement read. “The GSA selected Greenbelt for the new, consolidated FBI headquarters based on the fact that it is the best site and it offers the lowest price and the best value to the taxpayers.”
Governor Moore took to social media to voice his opposition to Trump’s remarks, calling the decision to move the headquarters out of Maryland a “reckless move that endangers our national security.”
Legislative Action in Maryland
Maryland lawmakers have already begun to take steps to ensure the FBI project continues in their state. On Friday, the Maryland House of Delegates passed House Bill 1078, a bill that would allocate $200 million annually in the state budget for the redevelopment of the site and to improve transportation infrastructure for the FBI headquarters relocation project. The bill was sponsored by Prince George’s County Democrats Nicole Williams, Anne Healey, and Ashanti Martinez, whose district includes the Greenbelt site.
Senator Alonzo Washington (D) also sponsored a companion bill in the state Senate, which has been referred to the Rules Committee. House Majority Whip Jazz Lewis (D-Prince George’s) also weighed in on the matter, stating that Trump did not have the authority to stop the project simply because he disagreed with it.
“He doesn’t know geography, for one, because Greenbelt is 15 minutes outside the city,” Lewis said after the House floor session in Annapolis. “Besides the point, his policy change is for partisan reasons, not national security.”
The Battle Between Maryland and Virginia
The Maryland site’s selection has been met with resistance, particularly from Virginia lawmakers, who continue to argue that the process was flawed. A federal inspector general’s report released last month raised concerns about the process but did not cite any issues with the Greenbelt location itself. However, the report’s findings have fueled the ongoing debate between Maryland and Virginia representatives, with both states eager to claim the new headquarters for themselves.
Virginia lawmakers have expressed frustration with what they perceive as a rushed and unfair decision-making process. However, the GSA’s final decision in 2023 selected Greenbelt as the site that best met the FBI’s needs.
Maryland lawmakers have made it clear that they will continue to push for the Greenbelt location, arguing that it is the most cost-effective and strategically located option for the FBI. They argue that the Greenbelt site would offer better access to transportation and meet the agency’s security needs.
What Happens Next?
While Trump’s comments have undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, Maryland officials remain determined to proceed with the Greenbelt location. The battle is far from over, and the outcome will depend on political negotiations, public support, and any legal challenges that may arise.
Maryland’s commitment to securing the new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt remains strong. The state’s leaders are continuing their efforts to address the concerns raised by Virginia lawmakers and ensure that the FBI headquarters remains in the Washington metropolitan area.
At this point, it is unclear how Trump’s comments will affect the final decision on the FBI’s future home. While his remarks certainly add a new layer of complexity to the situation, the process is still ongoing, and both sides are preparing for a prolonged fight.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
