Thursday, February 06, 2025

Trump's GSA to Sell Off Half of All Federal Property

The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced plans to sell off 50% of the federal properties it oversees

Posted by rstybeach11 at 03:30 PM | 45 COMMENTS | permalink

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The plot to asset-strip American government: Even the radical architects of Project 2025 didn't propose what Elon Musk is doing to US democracy. By @JillFilipovic.bsky.social

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-- The New Statesman (@newstatesman.com) February 5, 2025 at 5:55 AM

Comments

This is the corporate raider strategy kicking into high gear.

The US has a lot of valuable assets. The plan is to get into office, sell the assets to oligarchs at pennies on the dollar. This way, the oligarchs have all of the assets and the public is left with all of the debt.

This is a criminal conspiracy to strip the shared wealth that all Americans have in their country and hand it off to a select few.

In this specific case, the practice could also be termed "privatization for profit" or "predatory privatization." It involves the sale of public assets to private interests, who then lease them back to the government at inflated rates, essentially creating a rent-seeking situation.

You cultists are such fnkcin' suckers.

#1 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-05 03:43 PM

Wait until the department of the interior reveals their plans for our national parks, monuments and forests/wilderness.

#2 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-05 04:01 PM

I told you so.

#3 | Posted by truthhurts at 2025-02-05 06:59 PM

----.

#4 | Posted by YAV at 2025-02-05 07:02 PM

Courts can tie up these sales.

But yea.

America is done.

#5 | Posted by ClownShack at 2025-02-05 07:04 PM

#2 | Posted by jpw

At this rate, they'll actually carve Trump's fat pigface onto Mount Rushmore.

#6 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-05 10:59 PM

This will never happen. Never.

Ever read a GSA lease? I have. Lots of them. In my work financing commercial real estate I've financed many buildings leased to a variety of GSA-affiliated users (e.g., Bureau of Land Management, Social Security Administration, the FBI, and DoD). Usually these are mission-critical properties specially constructed to the tenant's need. More importantly, the leases do not contain any cancellation clauses, absent significant casualty (i.e., destruction to the property). The tenant has to keep paying. And the leases are long--15 to 20 years usually. Non-payment of rent is a walk-over in court. Landlords will get paid the full amount owed.

As for property owned by the GSA, other than military bases, parks and national monuments, its not much. Sure, the GSA owns office buildings nationwide, but most of their building occupancy is in leased buildings. In many US cities the market for office space and office buildings is soft. Very few will be interested in buying an old, vacant building designed in a brutalist fashion for a government user, with finish levels not desirable to many other tenants, and built in a manner which often cannot be re-used. That means the market value of such properties is minimal, if not zero (and for obsolete buildings with environmental issues the value can be negative).

Federal employees are being told to return to work. 98% will not take the scam 'buyouts'. Even with marginal staffing cutbacks, employees will have to show up somewhere so old folks will still get their SS checks, the FBI will still need an office where they can store guns and withstand a firefight, and the BLM will still have to roam millions of acres in vehicles that can get them around, serve as fire/rescue vehicles and keep scofflaws like Amon Bundy from grazing their cattle for free.

This will never happen. Never...

#7 | Posted by catdog at 2025-02-06 04:53 PM

Guess who's buying?

Herr Musk and his Merry Band of Oligarchs... at pennies on the dollar.

#8 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-06 05:09 PM

"Trump laid out six tax priorities in a meeting with Congress"

www.forexlive.com

#9 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-06 05:56 PM

Courts can tie up these sales.

#5 | Posted by ClownShack

There's a felon sitting in the oval office and you think justice still exists? That's quaint.

#10 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2025-02-06 06:05 PM

Has Pres trump already sold off all the history contained on the Medicare and Medicaid systems, for a few humdred million in campaign contributions.

Mr Musk now may have full (read-only?) access to those systems.

What is he going to do with that access?

More importantly, what is he going to do with that data? Data that may include names, addresses, social security numbers, medical history on a detail level, incomes, etc.

Would Mr Musk want to profit from that data by selling it to, insurance companies or third-party data brokers?


#11 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-02-06 06:45 PM

"Courts can tie up these sales."

But the bastards own the corrupt Suoreme Court which Trumps all other federal courts (pun intended).

#12 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-06 08:21 PM

Everything Musk wanted out of that database is now his. Ironically, Musk minions used a private server to do it.

Any DR resident cultists willing to explain how Musk minions use of a private server in this case is perfectly okay, but Hillary's use was considered treason in the eyes of cultists?

#13 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-06 08:35 PM

Musk used hackers - at least two internationally known, as part of his DOGE crew. Ties to Russia, no less, and at least one a member of UGNazi.

#14 | Posted by YAV at 2025-02-06 09:31 PM

Well ... .

" There are roughly 14,000 buildings and structures currently designated as excess and thousands of others that are underutilized. These properties range from sheds to under-utilized office buildings and empty warehouses. Over 7,000 are plotted on the Excess Federal Buildings Interactive Map, zoom in to see Excess Properties in your state and around the country."

obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

Our government is long overdue to tighten up.

#15 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-06 11:33 PM

That's not even recent. I'm sure it's much worse after COVID.

#16 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-06 11:34 PM

That's not even recent. I'm sure it's much worse after COVID.
#16 | Posted by BellRinger

By your MAGA calculations, does it add up to half?

#17 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-06 11:36 PM

@#13 ... Everything Musk wanted out of that database is now his. Ironically, Musk minions used a private server to do it. ...

Yup.

Mr Musk seems to have his private server attached to a government network.

Where are the howls from the Republicans about that?

#18 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-02-06 11:42 PM

The situation described in the quote about Elon Musk's private server being attached to a government network is reminiscent of the adage, "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander." This saying aptly captures the irony and apparent double standard in the current scenario[4][6].

This proverb suggests that what is considered appropriate for one person or group should be equally acceptable for another. In this context, it highlights the contrast between the Republican party's strong criticism of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State and their apparent silence regarding Elon Musk's similar actions[6][8].

The quote points out the perceived hypocrisy, as Republicans who were vocal about Clinton's email practices seem to be notably quiet about Musk's installation of a private server on government networks, despite the potential security risks and privacy concerns it raises[1][2][3].

This situation exemplifies how political perspectives can shift based on who is involved, rather than maintaining consistent principles across different cases involving similar actions.

The expression "What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander" uses "sauce" to mean that what is suitable or acceptable for one should be equally so for another. The saying means that what is appropriate in one case is also appropriate in another.

The etymology of the phrase dates back to the 1670s and figuratively uses "goose" and "gander" to represent women and men. Literally, it meant that the same sauce works for both a cooked goose, regardless of sex.

Citations:
[1] newrepublic.com
[2] cyberscoop.com
[3] www.vox.com
[4] www.factcheck.org
[5] www.unr.edu
[6] en.wikipedia.org
[7] wp.ucla.edu
[8] www.lowelawgroup.com
[9] www.cbc.ca
[10] www.nbcnews.com
[11] www.computerworld.com
[12] quoteinvestigator.com

#19 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-06 11:48 PM

@#14 ... Musk used hackers - at least two internationally known, as part of his DOGE crew. Ties to Russia ...

really?

What We Know So Far About the Young Techies Working for DOGE
www.rollingstone.com

...He has also founded several of his own nebulous corporations, including one called Tesla.Sexy LLC, which owns web domains registered in Russia. Security experts told Wired that because of foreign connections like these, his work at Path Network (which has hired hackers convicted of crimes), and evidence suggesting he may have once tried to pay for a cyberattack with Bitcoin, Coristine would be unlikely to clear a traditional background check for access to classified government data.

...


Another

...
But [he] resigned from DOGE on Thursday after The Wall Street Journal linked him to a deleted X account that argued for the repeal of the Civil Rights Act and a "eugenic immigration policy" ahead of the 2024 election. The deleted profile also featured hate speech against Indian people, endorsed the complete destruction of both Gaza and Israel, and included a post that read, "Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool." ...

Wow.


#20 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-02-06 11:50 PM

" By your MAGA calculations, does it add up to half?

#17 | POSTED BY RSTYBEACH11 AT 2025-02-06 11:36 PM | FLAG: "

I don't know. I don't know how many total buildings there are. Are you opposed to selling off buildings that aren't being used?

#21 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-06 11:59 PM

Literally, it meant that the same sauce works for both a cooked goose, regardless of sex.

Alas, by Gander decree, one sex is now DEI and therefore subservient to the other. Gander rules. And has immunity.

#22 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-02-07 12:01 AM

@#21 ... I don't know. ...

Good to see your current alias admit that, for a change.


:)

#23 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-02-07 12:04 AM

@#23 ... Gander decree ...

Curiosity got the better part of me.

I found this, but it seems to he unrelated ...

Gander v. Livoti
casetext.com

So, I have to ask, what are you referring to?

#24 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-02-07 12:25 AM

#21 | Posted by BellRinger

When someone like Musk or Trump is in charge of determining what should and should not be sold, ----------------.

You really are a sucker, eh?

#25 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-07 12:31 AM

So, you'd rather just have taxpayers continue to pay for vacant buildings?

That makes sense.

#26 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-07 12:33 AM

#26 | Posted by BellRinger

Be specific. LOL

#27 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-07 12:34 AM

So, you'd rather just have taxpayers continue to pay for vacant buildings?

That would be a bad idea. Vacant buildings should have been released within a year of becoming vacant.

#28 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-02-07 12:46 AM

@#26 ... So, you'd rather just have taxpayers continue to pay for vacant buildings? ...

When it comes to what taxpayers may or may not be paying for, want specifics.

Not apparently troll-oriented ambiguous comments.

#29 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-02-07 12:52 AM

" Our government is long overdue to tighten up."

What a riot.

They're doing all that so they can justify extending tax cuts for the world's wealthiest.

This will spike our debts, and we'll have to borrow additional Trillions to cover it. Remember when you pretended to be against increased deficit spending?

I guess all that changed, when the letter after the name changed.

#30 | Posted by Danforth at 2025-02-07 09:45 AM

Danforth,

Not taking your ankle biting bait.

#31 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-07 10:44 AM

"Our government is an efficient well-oiled machine that doesn't spend nearly enough money" - Danforth.

#32 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-07 10:45 AM

Danforth,

Not taking your ankle biting bait.

Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-07 10:44 AM | Reply

Translation: He's got your number.

#33 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-07 10:46 AM

Like a well conditioned test subject, Danforth rings the bell and Jeffy jumps for it after saying he wouldn't jump for it.

So sad.

#34 | Posted by Nixon at 2025-02-07 11:03 AM

The plan is to get into office, sell the assets to oligarchs at pennies on the dollar. This way, the oligarchs have all of the assets and the public is left with all of the debt.

Ahhhnuld did that in California.

The rationale was to "get rid of the burden of maintenance" on the properties and then the 1% purchasers had California sign leases that repaid their purchase price in a few years AND have California continue to pay for the maintenance costs.

This scheme to enrich the 1% will be no different.

#35 | Posted by Nixon at 2025-02-07 11:07 AM

Any DR resident cultists willing to explain how Musk minions use of a private server in this case is perfectly okay, but Hillary's use was considered treason in the eyes of cultists?
#13 | Posted by rstybeach11

Musk is a South African and Canadian citizen so it can't be treason because he everyone knows he has split allegiance. It's perfectly fine and totally normal.

#36 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2025-02-07 11:59 AM

Ahhhnuld did that in California.

The rationale was to "get rid of the burden of maintenance" on the properties and then the 1% purchasers had California sign leases that repaid their purchase price in a few years AND have California continue to pay for the maintenance costs.

This scheme to enrich the 1% will be no different.

#35 | Posted by Nixon

NEWSWORTHY

#37 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-07 02:48 PM

So, just keep them vacant and active money pits because Trump.

Totally logical.

#38 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-02-07 02:56 PM

Totally logical.
#38 | Posted by BellRinger

Stay ignorant, JEFF.

It suits you.

Swallow it.

Embedded GIF

#39 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-07 03:49 PM

constitution.congress.gov

Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2:

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

The Property Clause provides that public lands may only be disposed of with congressional authorization.1 The Supreme Court has held that the power of Congress is exclusive, and that only through its exercise in some form can rights in lands belonging to the United States be acquired.2 However, the Court held that, by being aware of and doing nothing to halt the long-time practice of presidents withdrawing land from the public domain by Executive Orders, Congress had acquiesced to the practice.3 In 1976, Congress reversed course by passing legislation establishing procedures for land withdrawals and explicitly repealing congressional acquiescence to the practice, as well as any implicit executive withdrawal authority.4

#40 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-07 03:57 PM

#40 | Posted by LauraMohr

JEFF has no interest in following the constitution. Why bother? He's a cuck for Elon and now that Elon is here, we can all relax and reap the rewards of his genius.

#41 | Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-07 04:01 PM

JEFF has no interest in following the constitution. Why bother? He's a cuck for Elon and now that Elon is here, we can all relax and reap the rewards of his genius.

Posted by rstybeach11 at 2025-02-07 04:01 PM | Reply

He ABSOLUTELY proved that when he vehemently supported Trump after January the 6th. Jeff doesn't care about the Constitution and the rule of law. That's for sure.

#42 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-07 04:04 PM


"Constitution? We don't need no stupid Constitution!"

#43 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2025-02-07 04:31 PM

So, just keep them vacant and active money pits because Trump.

Jeesuskriest. You and your false choice, either or, black or white fallacies.

You are WRONG.

#44 | Posted by YAV at 2025-02-07 10:40 PM

We could probably get a few bucks for the White House if we could eliminate the stebch left by the present occu;psnt. Might not be able to; probably have to tear iy down and start over!

#45 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-08 12:04 AM

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