Inspector General Finds No Evidence of Trump's Influence on Decision to Keep FBI Headquarters in Current Location
Investigation reveals FBI's decision to keep its headquarters at its current site was driven by logistical and funding factors, not the former President's interest in the property, dispelling speculation of Trump's personal intervention.
- The Inspector General found no evidence that President Trump improperly influenced the FBI's decision to rebuild its headquarters at the current site, despite Trump's expressed interest in the building and its proximity to his now defunct hotel.
- The investigation began due to concerns raised by Democrats over the decision to scrap plans for a $3 billion suburban campus for the FBI's 10,000 employees in late 2017.
- Funding and logistical issues were identified as the main motivations for the decision to stay at the current location, not a personal intervention from Trump to prevent the land from being developed into a competing project.
- FBI witnesses, including Director Christopher A. Wray, were authorized to decide the location for new headquarters. They chose the current location due to its central proximity to the Justice Department and because it would cost less.
- Despite Trump's interest, FBI staff had no knowledge of any involvement by him or the White House in the decision to cancel the move.