The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been making deep cuts across federal agencies, and now, one of those cuts could affect the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Oklahoma in Muskogee.
According to DOGE’s official savings list, the lease for the U.S. Attorney’s Office building, located next to Arrowhead Mall, is on the chopping block. This is one of five U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide that DOGE is targeting for lease termination, which could bring in an estimated $1.2 million in annual savings.
While the actual U.S. Attorney’s Office is not being closed, the potential relocation of the office raises concerns about the prosecution of federal crimes in Eastern Oklahoma and how the move could affect the local criminal justice system.
What We Know About the Possible Closure
Current Status:
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern Oklahoma remains open and continues to operate.
- Employees at the office told FOX23 News:“We are here. We are open for business and doing the work of the American people and the people of Oklahoma. We don’t have any more information to give you.”
Why Is DOGE Targeting This Office?
- DOGE is reviewing leases across federal agencies to reduce government spending.
- The office’s lease costs over $1.2 million annually, making it a target for cost-cutting.
- No job cuts have been mentioned—only the building lease is under review.
Possible Relocation Options:
- Some sources speculate that the office could be moved to either the federal courthouse or the federal building in downtown Muskogee.
- No official confirmation on where the office will go if the lease is terminated.
Political Response to the Cutback
The potential lease termination has caught the attention of Oklahoma lawmakers.
Senator James Lankford (R-OK):
- Lankford’s office has stated they are working to gather more details on the situation.
Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK):
- Brecheen, who represents Muskogee, addressed the issue live on FOX23.
- He emphasized the need for responsible government spending, saying:“The federal government is bloated, but the cuts need to be done right.”
- While acknowledging concerns, Brecheen urged people to focus on the long-term best interest of the nation.
His official statement:
“Our office is aware of what’s happening with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Muskogee, and we’re working with those involved to get more information. I look forward to finding a solution that supports our U.S. Attorney’s Office while also getting America back on a path toward fiscal sanity.”
Will the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Muskogee Close?
- No, the office itself is not closing.
- Only the lease for the building is under review.
DOGE’s savings ledger does not mention any layoffs or staff reductions, only that the current building lease could be cut.
However, relocating the office could still impact how federal crimes are prosecuted in Eastern Oklahoma, depending on where the office moves and if the new space is adequate for operations.
