NASA considers getting rid of Washington, D.C., headquarters: report

NASA is considering relocating its headquarters from Washington, D.C., as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal government’s footprint, according to Politico. The potential move could impact up to 2,500 jobs and shift responsibilities to NASA’s 10 field centers.

A NASA spokesperson confirmed that the agency’s lease for its current headquarters expires in 2028 and that it is exploring alternative leasing options in the D.C. area. However, NASA has no plans to construct a new headquarters. In line with an executive order, all employees, including those in D.C., returned to full-time onsite work by February 28.

The discussion follows a recent reduction in staff at NASA’s headquarters, where approximately 20 employees, including its chief scientist, were let go. Lawmakers have suggested relocating the agency’s headquarters to Florida’s Kennedy Space Center or Ohio’s Glenn Research Center.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis supported the idea, criticizing federal spending on a new headquarters in D.C. despite low in-office attendance in recent years. "This is a no-brainer," DeSantis posted on social media, arguing that the agency should be closer to its primary operations.

NASA spokeswoman Cheryl Warner confirmed the agency has begun a phased workforce reduction in compliance with an executive order, with a small number of employees notified this week.

While NASA’s field centers handle much of its daily operations, its Washington headquarters plays a critical role in maintaining relationships with Congress and international partners, particularly regarding projects like the International Space Station.

NASA’s 10 field centers, spread across eight states, include facilities in California, Ohio, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi. These centers oversee various research, testing, and spaceflight operations, and could take on additional responsibilities if the headquarters is relocated.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.