USDA HQ employees told to work remotely so office building can house soldiers in upcoming military parade

The Agriculture Department on Wednesday directed some employees in Washington, D.C., to work remotely for three weeks because one of its headquarters buildings will be used to house soldiers who are part of the upcoming parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. 

The email obtained by Government Executive says that access to USDA’s South Building will be restricted to essential employees from June 1 through June 20 and that maximum telework is recommended for individuals who work in the building. The parade is scheduled for June 14. 

Despite the directive, the Trump administration has largely ended telework flexibility for federal employees, with officials arguing that the practice promotes inefficiency. In fact, some USDA employees on Wednesday were notified where they are being assigned to report for in-person work with a compliance deadline of June 2. 

A USDA spokesperson told Government Executive that the department has "more than adequate capabilities to accommodate America's finest." 

"USDA has done so during the past two inaugurations; this is in part due to our ideal location on the National Mall and the capacity of the building itself," the official said in a statement. "The Military provides the logistical support for eating, sleeping, showering and USDA provides the space. Over the coming weeks, USDA is proud to support this historic event...."

The Washington Post previously reported that service members participating in the parade would stay in General Services Administration and Agriculture Department buildings. An Army spokesperson also told the news organization that the event would cost an estimated $25 to $45 million. 

Government Executive has reported that USDA is planning to offload one of its two D.C. headquarters as part of a push to relocate employees to other parts of the country. 

USDA’s South Building, which was finished in 1936, was considered to be the largest office building in the world until the completion of the Pentagon in 1942.  

Eric Katz contributed to this report