Court Declines To Block DOGE’s US Institute Of Peace Deal

The US Institute of Peace lost its battle for independence as a federal judge allowed the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency to take over the congressional peace-building organization.

Key Takeaways

A federal judge denied the US Institute of Peace’s request to block the Trump administration’s DOGE from taking over the organization
Police assisted DOGE representatives in accessing USIP headquarters after staff initially resisted and called authorities
Five board members filed a lawsuit claiming they were unlawfully fired and sought to halt dismantling efforts
There is legal confusion about whether USIP is an independent agency or part of the executive branch
USIP was established by Congress in 1984 to study peaceful conflict resolutions and promote peace worldwide

Judge Rules Against Peace Institute’s Independence

A federal judge has denied a request to block President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking over the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The ruling marks a significant victory for the administration’s efforts to reduce federal agencies. Judge Beryl Howell expressed skepticism about the lawsuit’s likelihood of success, questioning whether the board members had suffered irreparable harm that would justify emergency court intervention.

The lawsuit emerged following dramatic scenes at USIP headquarters when DOGE representatives, backed by police, forcibly entered the building despite initial resistance from institute staff. The standoff highlighted the tension between the administration’s efficiency goals and the institute’s claim to independence. Five board members, including former US ambassador to Russia John Sullivan, filed the lawsuit after being dismissed from their positions.

Constitutional Questions at the Heart of Dispute

The legal battle centers on fundamental constitutional questions about whether USIP operates as an independent entity or falls under executive branch authority. The institute’s fired president, George Moose, has maintained that USIP is a private, non-profit corporation established by Congress and not subject to executive control. Government lawyers countered by citing court rulings on presidential power over independent agencies.

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

Founded in 1984 with bipartisan support, USIP has operated with board members nominated by presidents and confirmed by the Senate. The Trump administration’s executive order targeted the institute along with three other agencies for substantial reductions, citing them as unnecessary federal elements. The White House has remained firm in its position that the institute falls under executive authority.

Administration Defends Actions Amid Congressional Concern

After DOGE representatives gained access to the building, institute staff were eventually compelled to vacate the premises. The White House has defended its actions as part of broader government efficiency efforts. A spokesperson for the administration emphasized that the President’s executive authority would be enforced despite resistance from what they characterized as entrenched bureaucracy.

“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,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said.

Top Democrats in Congress have criticized the takeover as part of what they see as a systematic effort to dismantle American institutions. Representative Gregory Meeks and Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed concerns about the long-term implications of such actions for international peace-building efforts. The Trump administration’s moves have sparked similar legal challenges from other affected agencies, including the Inter-American Foundation and the US African Development Foundation.

Broader Implications for Government Restructuring

The USIP case represents just one front in the administration’s larger effort to streamline government operations through DOGE, headed by Elon Musk. While the institute’s legal challenge failed to prevent the takeover, other lawsuits against similar actions have seen mixed results. A federal judge previously ruled that cuts to USAid likely violated the constitution, temporarily blocking further reductions by DOGE staff.

Judge Howell, while allowing the takeover to proceed, did criticize some aspects of DOGE’s approach and treatment of USIP employees. The ruling leaves open questions about the future operations of the institute and whether it can maintain its original mission under new leadership. Kenneth Jackson from the US Agency for International Development has replaced Moose as the institute’s president as part of the administration’s restructuring plan.