Court Rejects Effort To Halt DOGE’s Peace Institute Takeover

Wooden gavel resting on a judge's desk.

Federal judge denies request to block Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), sparking conflict over executive power and agency independence.

Key Insights

  • A federal judge ruled against USIP board members who sought to prevent their removal and halt DOGE’s takeover of the institute
  • The case highlights confusion over whether USIP is an independent agency or part of the executive branch
  • Trump’s executive order targeted USIP and three other agencies for significant reductions
  • The confrontation led to police involvement when DOGE representatives initially faced resistance accessing USIP headquarters
  • This ruling is part of broader legal challenges against Trump administration efforts to reduce federal government size

Court Rules Against Peace Institute’s Challenge

A federal judge has rejected an attempt by the U.S. Institute of Peace to halt President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking control of the organization. The ruling dismisses a lawsuit filed by USIP board members who sought to prevent their removal and stop the dismantling of the institute, which was established by Congress in 1984 to study and promote peaceful conflict resolution. Judge Beryl Howell expressed skepticism about the lawsuit’s likelihood of success and questioned whether board members had suffered irreparable harm.

The confrontation began after President Trump issued an executive order targeting USIP and three other agencies for large-scale reductions. In response, Trump fired 11 of the institute’s 15 board members, including former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan. The administration then installed Kenneth Jackson from the U.S. Agency for International Development as acting president, replacing George Moose. The transition turned contentious when USIP staff initially prevented DOGE representatives from accessing the headquarters, even calling police.

Dispute Over Institute’s Independence

At the heart of the legal battle is disagreement about whether USIP is an independent entity or falls under executive branch authority. Government lawyers questioned the institute’s control and its ability to sue the administration, referencing court rulings on presidential power over independent agencies. USIP staff maintain they are a private, nonprofit corporation funded by Congress, not a federal agency subject to executive branch control. This distinction has become crucial in determining the legitimacy of the administration’s actions.

“It was built as a symbol of the aspiration of the American people to be peace builders in the world,” said George Moose, the ousted president of USIP.

The White House has firmly defended its position, with spokesperson Anna Kelly stating: “Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the President’s executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people.” Police reports confirm that “Eventually, all the unauthorized individuals inside of the building complied with the acting USIP President’s request and left the building without further incident.”

Broader Implications for Government Agencies

This case represents part of a larger pattern of legal challenges against the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce federal government size through DOGE, which is led by Elon Musk. Other agencies affected by Trump’s executive order include the Inter-American Foundation and the U.S. African Development Foundation, which have also sued the administration. A federal judge previously ruled it legal to remove most contracts and staff from the U.S.-Africa agency but required DOGE to maintain the agency’s minimum legal presence and function.

“We have been talking to them for many weeks now in anticipation of just this possibility and also to remind them that we are a private, nonprofit corporation in the District of Columbia and therefore not a federal agency, and therefore, the federal government has no entitlement to come in and take over our building,” Moose explained.

While the administration moves forward with its plans for USIP, critics remain vocal. Top Democrats in Congress, including Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Jeanne Shaheen, have characterized these actions as attempts “to recklessly dismantle historic U.S. institutions piece by piece.” In contrast, supporters view these measures as necessary steps to streamline government operations and reduce wasteful spending. As DOGE continues its work across multiple agencies, more legal challenges are expected to define the boundaries of executive authority over congressionally established institutions.

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