A federal judge has ruled that the Trump Administration’s takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was “unlawful” and declared the actions taken during this takeover as “null and void.” U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell invalidated the removal of USIP board members, including its president, and annulled the relocation of the USIP’s headquarters to the General Services Administration (GSA).
This ruling follows a dramatic event two months ago when the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), accompanied by law enforcement, seized control of the USIP headquarters. The agency’s takeover led to significant layoffs within the institute, prompting the acting head, George Moose, to express concerns that “DOGE has broken into our building.”
Acting President Moose, along with other board members, initiated a lawsuit in response to their dismissals. In her judgment, Judge Howell emphasized that the Trump administration acted without the legal authority to dismantle an institute established by Congress in 1984, which aims to foster global peace.
The judge criticized the administration’s methods, describing the takeover as executed with “brute force” and stating that DOGE officials had no legal standing to terminate the staff or rearrange the institute’s property.
After the ruling, Moose returned to the USIP building with private security and attorneys, reporting that the premises appeared to be in good condition, with no visible damages noted. The USIP is now preparing to welcome back all staff members who wish to return.
In response to the ruling, the Trump Administration announced plans to appeal and sought a stay on the decision. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the initiative, claiming that attempts to dismantle organizations like the USIP are justified, asserting, “President Trump is right to reduce failed, useless entities like USIP to their statutory minimum,” while also suggesting that the judiciary should not interfere with executive actions.
Additionally, two other institutions pointed out in President Trump’s executive order relating to the termination of USIP—the Inter-American Foundation and the U.S. African Development Foundation—have also filed lawsuits seeking reinstatement.
This ruling signifies a pushback against unilateral executive actions, underscoring the importance of checks and balances within government agencies. The legal landscape surrounding this issue may evolve as appeals proceed, but for now, the reaffirmation of USIP’s legitimacy is a hopeful development for those who support its mission of promoting peace.