Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s DOGE Takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace

In a decisive legal ruling on Monday, a federal district judge struck down the controversial takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) by the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Judge Beryl Howell declared that the actions carried out by what she described as “illegitimately-installed leaders” were unlawful and must be declared “null and void.”

The judge’s ruling specifically invalidated the removal of USIP’s president, the appointment of DOGE-affiliated officials, the termination of nearly all USIP staff, and the transfer of the institute’s property to the General Services Administration. These moves, made without proper legal authority, were ordered to be reversed immediately.

This dramatic showdown follows a tense incident at the USIP headquarters in Washington, D.C., where the DOGE team, backed by law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, forcibly took over the building earlier this year. The takeover led to the layoff of most institute employees, sparking national debate over the legality and purpose of the move.

Judge Howell ordered that George Moose, the institute’s acting president prior to the takeover, will continue to lead USIP. Additionally, she prohibited the defendants from any further trespassing or interference with the institute’s property, staff, or contractors.

Founded under President Ronald Reagan, the U.S. Institute of Peace occupies a unique position as an independent think tank supporting both the executive and legislative branches. It conducts international peace research, education, and training, relying on an annual budget of approximately $50 million.

In her decision, Judge Howell criticized the Trump administration for rushing through the takeover without consulting Congress and for using aggressive law enforcement measures to enforce the executive order.

A White House spokesperson, Anna Kelly, defended the administration’s actions, stating, “The United States Institute of Peace has existed for 40 years on a $50 million annual budget but failed to deliver peace. President Trump is right to reduce failed, useless entities like USIP to their statutory minimum.”

This ruling marks a significant rebuke of the Trump administration’s efforts and underscores the importance of legal process and oversight in government reorganizations. The case may still face further appeals, but for now, the U.S. Institute of Peace remains under the leadership of its original acting president.

{Source: NBC News}

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