Trump Officials Move Into Military Housing Amid Security Concerns

Increasing number of high-ranking Trump administration officials living on military bases in the Washington, D.C. area

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:12pm

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An increasing number of high-ranking Trump administration officials, including the Secretary of State, Defense Secretary, and Homeland Security Secretary, are moving into military housing in the Washington, D.C. area. This practice is highly unusual, as civilian government officials rarely lived on military bases in previous administrations. The move is reportedly due to rising threats and security concerns faced by these officials, though it raises questions about the health of American democracy.

Why it matters

The practice of government officials living on military bases is highly unusual in a democracy and is more commonly seen in authoritarian regimes. It raises concerns about the increasing threats and security risks faced by public figures, as well as the overall state of American political discourse and the potential for political violence.

The details

At least half a dozen senior Trump administration officials are currently living in military housing in the Washington, D.C. area, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and others. They are paying fair-market rent, which ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 per month. The move is reportedly due to a rise in credible threats against these officials, with some citing the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year as heightening their concerns.

  • In 2025, President Trump revoked the security details of former officials like Kamala Harris and John Bolton.
  • In early 2020, a drone strike killed Iranian general Qassim Suleimani, leading to threats against former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The players

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State, living in military housing at Fort McNair.

Pete Hegseth

The current Defense Secretary, living in military housing at Fort McNair.

Kristi Noem

The current Homeland Security Secretary, previously living in military housing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

Pam Bondi

The current Attorney General, living in military housing.

Stephen Miller

The current Deputy Chief of Staff, living in military housing.

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What they’re saying

“I'm incredibly grateful to President Trump and the U.S. military for providing my family a safe place to live.”

— Katie Miller, Former Trump administration official

“Moving them seems to make some sense if you look at the level of threats and also, I'll call it, an institutional proclivity for self-defense. The only people in the U.S. who have compounds are the military.”

— Patrick F. Kennedy, Former U.S. Under Secretary of State for Management

What’s next

The judge in Kristi Noem's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow her to continue living in military housing after her tenure as Homeland Security Secretary ends.

The takeaway

The increasing number of high-ranking Trump administration officials living on military bases raises serious concerns about the state of American democracy and the growing threats faced by public figures. It highlights the need for a broader discussion about political violence, security measures, and the appropriate boundaries between civilian and military spheres in a democratic society.