Which official map - the one posted in each station and online? Sure it's distorted: it has to make sense to millions of tourists. Most transit maps I've seen are the same: geographic realism is sacrificed to make it easier for patrons to get around.

Orange and Blue lines go under the Mall: this is reflected on the map. IIRC there is one stop at the Mall, several close. There aren't any Red line stops near the Mall.

several important government buildings

It's D.C. You can't shake a stick without hitting an important government building.