DOGE Reverses Course on FDA Facility Closures, Including Major St. Louis Quality Lab

DOGE has reversed its decision to close three FDA facilities, including a major drug quality testing laboratory in St. Louis, after initially listing them on its "Wall of Receipts" for lease terminations26.

Key Details

• The FDA's St. Louis drug testing laboratory will remain open despite being previously listed for closure by DOGE6.

• Two other FDA lease terminations have also been reversed, though specific locations were not provided.

• The St. Louis facility is a 52,000 square foot building, described as the largest FDA office in the country1.

• DOGE had originally claimed the St. Louis closure would save nearly $20 million4.

Background

• DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has been terminating leases for federal facilities across the country as a cost-cutting measure3.

• As of March 5, 2025, DOGE claimed its lease terminations would save nearly $468 million overall, down from an earlier estimate of $660 million3.

• The FDA lease terminations were part of a larger group of 30 FDA facilities across 23 states initially targeted for closure3.

Implications

The reversal of these FDA closures, particularly the St. Louis quality lab, suggests DOGE may be reconsidering some of its more controversial lease terminations. The St. Louis facility plays a crucial role in ensuring drug safety and potency in the US drug supply2. Its continued operation will help maintain the FDA's ability to carry out its regulatory responsibilities in drug quality control.

DOGE has reversed plans to close three FDA facilities, including a major drug testing lab in St. Louis.
The St. Louis facility is a 52,000 square foot building, described as the largest FDA office in the country.
DOGE had initially claimed the St. Louis closure would save nearly $20 million.
The reversals are part of DOGE's broader initiative to terminate federal facility leases for cost savings.
As of March 5, 2025, DOGE claimed its lease terminations would save nearly $468 million overall, down from an earlier estimate of $660 million.

Sources:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nPbiXRd7uI

2. https://endpts.com/trump-administration-reverses-course-on-fda-drug-quality-lab-closure/

3. https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/us-government-terminates-leases-30-fda-sites-across-23-states

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLD_U8B3TmM

6. https://www.raps.org/news-and-articles/news-articles/2025/3/fda-s-st-louis-drug-testing-lab-to-remain-open-des