Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has triggered alarm among historic preservationists with an emergency request to demolish more than a dozen landmark buildings in Washington, D.C.
An 'Emergency' Request and Swift Opposition
The controversial proposal, first reported by The Washington Post, targets 17 buildings on the historic St. Elizabeths West Campus. Secretary Noem has justified the move by citing a "risk to life and property" that she claims endangers federal agents, pointing to potential threats from 'malicious insiders'.
In a letter seen by The Independent, groups including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the DC Preservation League raised "strong objections". They argue there is no evidence of a genuine emergency beyond Noem's "unilateral declaration", which they say bypasses crucial procedural safeguards designed to ensure stability and fairness.
The Stakes: Security vs. Heritage
The federal government, via the General Services Administration, plans to redevelop the 176-acre campus to provide over 5 million square feet of office space for the expanding Department of Homeland Security (DHS), plus parking for 14,000 employees.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that security assessments found the "dilapidated, vacant buildings" pose unacceptable safety, security, and emergency-response risks. A DHS report suggested insiders like employees or contractors could exploit the structures to plan harmful activities.
However, preservationists counter that DHS has provided no proof to back these claims. They note that four of the 17 buildings already have approved demolition plans from relevant commissions, questioning the need for emergency action.
A Broader Legal Battle Over Landmarks
This clash occurs against the backdrop of another major preservation fight. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is currently suing the Trump administration to halt the $400 million demolition of the White House's East Wing to build a new ballroom.
That federal lawsuit argues no president can lawfully tear down portions of the White House without review or public input. Former President Donald Trump has said he wants the planned ballroom, which he described as having a "drone-free roof" and bulletproof glass, to host future presidential inaugurations.
The St. Elizabeths campus, first established by Congress in 1855 as the Government Hospital for the Insane, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. Its proposed redevelopment now places Secretary Noem's emergency demolition request at the heart of a growing national debate over security, executive power, and the protection of America's architectural heritage.
