Edward C. Forrest sworn in as GSA administrator in Town of Indian River Shores on Christmas Eve

Edward C. Forrest was sworn in as Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) in a Christmas Eve ceremony hosted by the Town of Indian River Shores. The event included the oath of office, brief remarks from Forrest and closing comments from the official who administered the oath.

An unidentified official opened the ceremony, calling the moment “meaningful” for the community and for the country and announcing the oath. Forrest repeated the oath, swearing to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States” and to “faithfully discharge the duties of the office.”

After the oath, Forrest thanked Mayor Foley and the Town of Indian River Shores for hosting the event and expressed gratitude for President Trump’s trust in appointing him to lead the agency. He named and thanked members of his family who attended, including his wife, Susan, and several children, and acknowledged friends and long‑time supporters in the audience.

Forrest also singled out members of his political team and several career agency employees for praise, saying the agency’s work “takes place through the career staff” who have invested in the organization’s continuity. He named four career staffers by first name—Saul, Laura, Andrew and Nemesha—and thanked acting officials he cited by name.

Noting a local connection, Forrest said he had been on call for jury duty in Indian River County the same week he took the oath, and he framed that civic participation as a reminder of the responsibilities of public office. He described the GSA’s role broadly, saying the agency serves “towns and cities and counties and states across the entire U.S.”

Forrest closed his remarks by saying, “I’m fired up to get to work on President Trump’s vision,” and wished attendees a “Merry Christmas.” The ceremony concluded with brief closing remarks that praised Forrest’s commitment to public service and thanked his family for their support.

No formal votes, ordinances or policy actions were taken at the ceremony; the event was a swearing‑in and ceremonial welcome for the new administrator.