Judge blocks FBI headquarters move
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's plan to move the FBI headquarters to the Reagan Building, clearing the path back to Greenbelt. The ruling upholds Congress's 2023 decision and.
Background
The FBI has been headquartered in the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., since 1975, but structural problems have plagued it for years. In 2023, the Biden administration selected Greenbelt, Maryland, as the site for a new headquarters, but in July 2025, the Trump administration sought to reverse that decision and move to the Ronald Reagan Building instead. Maryland and Prince George's County sued, arguing the administration lacked authority to change the plan and divert funds approved by Congress.
How it unfolded
- 2023The Biden administration announced a plan to move the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland.
- Jul 2025FBI Director Kash Patel announced the bureau would instead relocate to the Ronald Reagan Building in D.C., citing cost-effectiveness.
- Nov 2025Maryland sued Patel and the FBI, alleging unlawful sabotage of the 2023 plan and illegal diversion of over $323 million in funds.
- Aug 17, 2026U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled the administration's move was 'arbitrary and capricious' and blocked the relocation and fund diversion.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said the ruling 'cleared the path back to Greenbelt' and upheld the rule of law.
- Caution
- Federal officials are expected to appeal the ruling, indicating the dispute is not over.