Federal Cafeteria Remains Closed Years After Pandemic as Remote Work Policies Spark Controversy

EXCLUSIVE: The cafeteria of a key federal department stands eerily vacant years after initially shutting down during the coronavirus pandemic, according to sources close to the situation. This continuing closure reflects the ongoing implications of remote work policies championed by the Biden administration.

Sources indicate that while federal employees protested against previous administration policies, they now show little urgency to return to physical offices, even when funded by taxpayer dollars. One insider remarked, “It’s just nuts to see federal workers taking days off while still drawing salaries paid by American taxpayers.”

The Cafeteria Closure and Its Implications

Initially shuttered in response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of the Interior’s cafeteria has remained closed for several years. The ongoing absence of in-person work requirements has rendered many federal spaces unused, raising questions about operational efficiency and management.

Photographic evidence taken on February 20, 2025, illustrates a continued lack of occupancy in the cafeteria, nearly five years into a purportedly post-pandemic world. Observers suggest this scenario exemplifies a systemic issue within the federal workforce. One source expressed, “This situation shows precisely what is problematic about the mindset of numerous federal workers.”

Government Responses to Remote Work Policies

In light of these ongoing challenges, former President Donald Trump recently criticized the current administration’s remote work policies. He warned that federal employees needed to return to their offices by early February, or risk facing termination. This has reignited discussions on accountability and workplace expectations for federal employees.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has echoed these sentiments, issuing directives to ensure all federal employees adhere to a mandatory return-to-office order. Such measures aim to foster a more productive government workforce and utilize taxpayer-funded resources effectively.

Comparisons to Other Departments

The situation at the Department of the Interior is not unique. Reports have surfaced indicating that the Housing and Urban Development headquarters in Washington, D.C., remains remarkably unchanged since Trump’s first term. An official described the state of HUD as reminiscent of a “taxpayer-funded ‘Spirit Halloween’ store,” underlining the lack of functional activity within federal spaces.

These insights signal a broader trend of inefficiency and mismanagement that could have lasting effects on how government operations are perceived by the public. As calls for accountability rise, the implications of remote work policies continue to foster debate.

Efforts for Reorganization and Accountability

In response to these prevalent issues, the Trump administration has sought to reorganize federal departments by slashing budgets and workforce numbers. Recent efforts have targeted spending cuts while aiming to reinstate a more traditional office work environment.

Moreover, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management extended buyout options to over two million federal employees in January. This offered them a chance to leave their positions voluntarily or face mandatory office return policies. As a result, approximately 75,000 federal employees opted into Trump’s deferred resignation program, allowing them to retain their salaries and benefits while being exempted from immediate in-person obligations.

Challenges and Future Prospects

The persistent closure of federal cafeterias and other facilities speaks volumes about the challenges facing the Biden administration as it navigates remote work norms. In a time when many sectors have returned to normalcy, maintaining closed facilities adds strain to perceptions of government intuitiveness.

As federal workers grapple with workplace expectations, the ongoing dialogue regarding productivity and remote work efficiency intensifies. Critics argue that the government must prioritize operational effectiveness over convenience to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer funds.

A New Era for Federal Workplaces

Moving forward, the resolution of these issues will depend largely on how federal policies evolve in response to public sentiment and workforce demands. The transition to office environments may signal a significant shift in how government agencies operate, balancing flexibility with accountability.

Ultimately, the question remains of how federal departments will adapt to changing expectations while still fulfilling their public service mandates. As the eyes of the nation remain on how these changes unfold, the implications for employees and taxpayers alike will likely resonate for years to come.

Fox News’ Emma Colton and Diana Stancy contributed to this report.