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DOGE Terminates Federal Leases in the Carolinas and Georgia

By James Seidel | CC News Network | Greenville, SC

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has terminated several federal office leases in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing costs and consolidating government properties.

According to the department’s website, nearly 800 leases were canceled across the country, resulting in millions of dollars in projected savings. The Carolinas and Georgia saw numerous federal offices affected, ranging from Social Security Administration buildings to law enforcement agencies and regulatory offices.

What is Doge?

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is a federal initiative established under the Trump administration to streamline government operations, reduce costs, and optimize resources. Created through an executive order in early 2025, DOGE has aggressively pursued cost-cutting measures, including the cancellation of nearly 800 federal office leases nationwide. The department operates under the leadership of Elon Musk, who was appointed to spearhead efficiency reforms across multiple federal agencies. Initially, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy was slated to co-lead the department but later withdrew to pursue a gubernatorial run in Ohio.

Since its inception, DOGE has implemented workforce reductions, asset sales, and contract cancellations, reportedly saving taxpayers over $105 billion. However, these figures remain widely disputed, with critics pointing to transparency issues and concerns about the department’s unchecked authority. A recent court ruling mandated DOGE to release internal records following allegations of financial mismanagement and excessive secrecy in its operations. Additionally, DOGE has piloted AI-driven automation projects, including a chatbot currently in testing with 1,500 General Services Administration (GSA) employees, with plans to expand its use to over 10,000 government workers.

While DOGE’s efficiency drive has led to significant financial cutbacks, its aggressive approach has also raised alarms about the potential impact on essential services and federal employment. The decision to terminate leases for key offices, such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Social Security Administration, has prompted questions about where these agencies will relocate and how these changes will affect public accessibility to federal services.

Federal Leases Terminated in South Carolina

Department of Air Force – North Charleston
- Annual Lease: $725,132 ($0 savings)
Savannah River Operations Center – Aiken
- Annual Lease: $42,225 ($200,568 total savings)
Social Security Administration – Greenwood
- Annual Lease: $154,546 ($141,668 total savings)
Office of U.S. Attorneys – Columbia
- Annual Lease: $942,986 ($1,257,315 total savings)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Greenville
- Annual Lease: $128,616 ($375,131 total savings)
Small Business Administration – North Charleston
- Annual Lease: $13,725 ($0 savings)

North Carolina Federal Offices Affected

Social Security Administration – Roanoke Rapids
- Annual Lease: $24,000 ($0 savings)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – Greensboro
- Annual Lease: $107,197 ($348,390 total savings)
Social Security Administration – Elizabeth City
- Annual Lease: $200,937 ($887,470 total savings)
Natural Resources Conservation Service – Greensboro
- Annual Lease: $731,294 ($2,376,707 total savings)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives – Raleigh
- Annual Lease: $142,636 ($0 savings)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Wilmington
- Annual Lease: $319,571 ($239,678 total savings)
Environmental Protection Agency – Charlotte
- Annual Lease: $67,647 ($146,568 total savings)
Food and Drug Administration – Greensboro
- Annual Lease: $24,855 ($16,570 total savings)

Georgia Among the States Seeing the Largest Cuts

Georgia saw some of the highest lease terminations, including federal agencies in Atlanta, Savannah, and Macon.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Atlanta
- Annual Lease: $2,473,060 ($2,060,883 total savings)
Social Security Administration – Gainesville
- Annual Lease: $506,527 ($1,688,423 total savings)
Forest Service – Atlanta
- Annual Lease: $1,399,770 ($2,799,539 total savings)
Government Accountability Office – Atlanta
- Annual Lease: $487,199 ($1,908,196 total savings)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Savannah
- Annual Lease: $427,511 ($855,022 total savings)

What Does This Mean for Federal Offices in the Southeast?

The DOGE’s move to terminate leases aims to reduce government spending and consolidate operations, but it also raises concerns about accessibility to essential services such as Social Security, employment rights enforcement, and law enforcement agencies.

The closure of Social Security Administration offices in Greenwood, SC; Roanoke Rapids, NC; Elizabeth City, NC; and Gainesville, GA could mean longer wait times and reduced access for senior citizens and disabled individuals relying on in-person assistance.

The termination of leases for law enforcement agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) in Raleigh, NC and the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Atlanta, GA raises questions about how these agencies will relocate or operate moving forward.

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the new location for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbia. The office is expected to relocate to a different facility within the city, but specific details have yet to be disclosed.

As DOGE continues its cost-cutting measures, the impact on local communities, government employees, and federal service accessibility will become clearer in the coming months.

For more updates on government policy, budget cuts, and federal restructuring, follow CC News Network.