“Beginning Wednesday, June 11 there will be numerous impacts to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and public transportation in the area, causing significant commuting disruptions,” reads a notice sent to Commerce Department employees that was obtained by the Washington Examiner.

“The Federal Government will remain OPEN,” it continues. “However, due to the potential for increased traffic, road closures, and related commuting disruptions, Federal employees who work in downtown Washington, DC should be prepared for the possibility of commuting delays and travel restrictions. These employees should allow extra time for travel to and from work, whether by private vehicle or public transportation.”

Employees who are eligible for telework were thus encouraged to ask supervisors about remote work, and supervisors are allowed to grant it the last three days of this week.

“Employees may also request to use annual leave or other authorized time off,” the notice reads. “Employees are encouraged to monitor local news media for announcements on street closures for vehicular and pedestrian traffic and disruptions to public transportation.”

It’s unclear if the notice applies to all federal agencies. The White House did not respond to questions from the Washington Examiner, and the Office of Management and Budget confirmed that it had such a policy in place this week but said it could not speak for other departments.

The Washington Examiner has contacted other agencies, including the Department of Education, the General Services Administration, and the Department of Labor, to inquire as to their remote work policies this week.

Upon retaking the White House, President Donald Trump began ordering federal employees back to the office after many spent the better part of five years working from home. It was one of many moves Trump made that sparked tensions with government workers in Washington, D.C.

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Employee unions complained that there wasn’t enough space for workers in some buildings and that in others, major repairs were needed due to their underutilization between 2020 and early 2025. They were further critical as the Department of Government Efficiency led efforts to lay off thousands of workers across multiple agencies.

Most federal employees working in Washington, D.C., were not Trump supporters in the first place. Trump drew just 6% of the vote in the nation’s capital last year, against 90% who backed Kamala Harris. Suburban areas of Maryland and Virginia were similarly lopsided, and both states went for Harris in 2024.

Now, both Trump supporters and opponents are preparing to descend on Washington this Saturday as a parade marking the military’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with Trump’s birthday, competes with nationwide “No Kings” protests planned in more than 1,500 cities, D.C. included.

An estimated 200,000 people are expected to descend on the National Mall for the occasion.