Empty Cafeterias and Ghostly Offices: Biden Administration’s Impact on Federal Workplaces
Exclusive: Empty Cafeteria in Federal Department Raises Concerns
Fox News Digital has obtained exclusive information revealing a startling situation within a top federal department. The cafeteria, once a bustling hub of activity, has remained empty and closed for years under the Biden administration. Sources close to the matter paint a grim picture, with federal workers refusing to work in person while collecting taxpayer salaries.
"You have federal workers showing up to protest President Trump’s plan to make government work for the people on a federal holiday, but they refuse to show up to work when they are collecting a paycheck courtesy of American taxpayers," a source told Fox News Digital. "It’s just nuts."
Pandemic-Era Closure Lingering
Initially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Interior (DOI) cafeteria has remained shut down for years due to the Biden administration’s reluctance to require federal employees to work in person. A photo taken in February 2023 shows the lunchroom still empty and unmanned, five years after the pandemic.
"This shows you exactly what’s wrong with the mindset of far too many federal workers," the source said. "Under the Biden administration, there were so few people in the Interior office that the cafeteria closed!"
Call for Accountability
President Trump has vowed to hold federal employees accountable and ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities to the American people. In a statement, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum condemned the situation.
"President Trump is keeping his promise to the American people about having a government that works hard and responsibly for the people. Getting the workforce back to the office will help accelerate America’s sprint to Energy Dominance," Burgum said.
Drastic Measures Implemented
In January, President Trump issued a mandate requiring federal employees to return to in-person work by early February or face termination. Secretary Burgum is enforcing this order, ordering all federal employees to return to their offices.
"It’s understandable that the cafeteria would close during the pandemic, but the pandemic has been over for years," the source told Fox. "Why did the Biden administration let everyone continue to work from home when there is real work to be done for the country?"
Additional Findings
Fox News Digital’s investigation has also uncovered that the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) headquarters in Washington, D.C., has remained largely empty since the first Trump administration. An official described it as a "taxpayer-funded ‘Spirit Halloween’ store."
Downsizing and Workforce Reductions
The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping review of federal departments, aimed at reducing spending and the size of the federal workforce. In January, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management offered buyouts to over two million federal civilian employees, giving them the option to leave their jobs or return to work in person.
Approximately 75,000 federal employees have accepted Trump’s deferred resignation program, which grants them full pay and benefits while exempting them from in-person work until September 30.
Conclusion
The empty cafeterias and ghost town offices in federal departments highlight the systemic problems within the Biden administration. Federal workers have grown accustomed to working from home and are resisting efforts to return to in-person work. This situation undermines public trust and hampers the government’s ability to deliver essential services to the American people. President Trump’s initiatives to hold federal employees accountable and downsize the government are a welcome step towards restoring efficiency and effectiveness in government operations.
