A federal judge has declined to temporarily halt the takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) by Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite criticizing the aggressive manner in which DOGE personnel entered the building with police assistance. The decision came after a tense standoff on Monday, where USIP staff were expelled from their headquarters in Washington, D.C., which is located near the U.S. State Department.
The U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984, is dedicated to promoting peace and conflict resolution globally. It receives funding from Congress and private donations, with an expected allocation of $55 million this year. However, the Trump administration, through an executive order, has targeted USIP for significant reductions, incorrectly categorizing it as a “government entity” subject to executive branch control. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal government and lower costs, with DOGE playing a central role in this initiative.
USIP filed a lawsuit against DOGE and the Trump administration, alleging that the takeover was unlawful and violated federal law. The lawsuit highlighted the forceful entry by DOGE personnel, who “plundered the offices” to gain control of sensitive computer systems. Despite Judge Beryl Howell’s strong criticism of DOGE’s tactics, describing them as “terrorizing” and expressing offense on behalf of American citizens, she declined to issue a temporary restraining order.
The judge noted that the lawsuit was “messy” since it was filed by only a few board members and not the entire board. A future hearing on the matter is planned, though no date has been set.
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, was established as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline government operations and reduce costs. Musk’s role as a special government employee has been controversial, with critics arguing that his involvement could lead to significant changes in how government agencies operate, potentially undermining their independence. The takeover of USIP marks one of the most aggressive actions by DOGE, reflecting a broader trend of targeting independent agencies and organizations not directly under executive branch control.
The U.S. Institute of Peace has been a focal point in this conflict due to its mandate to promote peace and prevent violent conflicts abroad. The institute’s independence and congressional funding have been central to its operations, allowing it to work without direct White House oversight. The Trump administration’s actions, including the dismissal of most of USIP’s board and the appointment of a new president, have been challenged as unlawful by the institute.
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