US Institute of Peace Sues Trump Admin Over Firings, DOGE Takeover/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and several of its board members have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging their removal and the takeover of the independent nonprofit by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, details multiple attempts by DOGE staff to access the headquarters, even involving police intervention. This legal battle is part of a broader pushback against Trump’s efforts to cut U.S. foreign aid agencies and reduce the federal government’s role in international conflict resolution.
USIP vs. Trump Administration: Quick Look
- USIP and board members sue to block removals and DOGE control of the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
- DOGE staff repeatedly attempted to enter the building, eventually succeeding with police assistance.
- Trump’s executive order targets USIP and other foreign assistance agencies for major cuts.
- Lawsuit argues the White House overstepped its authority, as Congress created and funds USIP.
- Federal judges have ruled against DOGE efforts in USAID and U.S. Africa Development Foundation cases.
- White House defends the move, claiming Trump appointees have full authority over affected agencies.
US Institute of Peace Sues Trump Admin Over Firings, DOGE Takeover
Trump Faces Legal Battle Over USIP Takeover
USIP Board Pushes Back Against Firings and DOGE Takeover
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), along with multiple board members, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to block their removal and prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from assuming control of the nonprofit think tank.
The lawsuit, filed late Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Washington, details multiple attempts by DOGE officials to access USIP headquarters, even resorting to calling the police for assistance when blocked by staff.
“The executive branch has no authority over this nonprofit,” USIP’s lawyer told DOGE officials, according to court filings.
USIP, founded by Congress in 1984, aims to prevent and resolve global conflicts and operates independently, with its board members nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. Trump’s executive order last month called for major reductions in USIP’s funding and staff, along with similar cuts to three other foreign aid agencies.
DOGE Forces Its Way Into USIP Offices
DOGE officials, backed by White House representatives, attempted multiple times on Monday to enter the USIP building before successfully gaining access with police assistance. The lawsuit claims this was an illegal breach, as USIP remains an independent entity under congressional mandate.
The remaining three board members—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin—removed USIP President George Moose and replaced him with Kenneth Jackson, an administrator from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Lawsuit Challenges Trump’s Foreign Aid Overhaul
This legal battle is part of a larger fight against Trump’s aggressive push to cut U.S. foreign aid programs and reduce government involvement in international diplomacy.
Federal courts have already ruled against DOGE in multiple cases, including:
- USAID funding cuts, which a judge ruled likely violated the Constitution.
- U.S. Africa Development Foundation, where a judge allowed most cuts but required DOGE to maintain minimal legal operations.
In a separate case, the Inter-American Foundation—which invests in Latin America and the Caribbean—also sued the Trump administration to halt the removal of staff and the cancellation of contracts.
White House Defends Takeover
The Trump administration has dismissed the lawsuits, arguing that the president has full authority over government-funded agencies.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said:
“Entitled, rogue bureaucrats have no authority to defy the president’s executive orders or physically bar his representatives from entering the agencies they run.”
Trump and Musk have pushed for a massive restructuring of federal agencies, aiming to centralize control and reduce costs. DOGE, spearheaded by Musk, has been at the forefront of these efforts, but its aggressive approach has led to legal challenges.
What’s Next?
- The court will review the USIP lawsuit, determining whether Trump’s executive order is legally enforceable.
- DOGE continues to face legal hurdles, with federal judges already ruling against some of its actions.
- Other foreign aid agencies may follow USIP’s lead and file additional lawsuits.
- Congressional Democrats are expected to push for legislation protecting USIP and similar institutions.
As the legal battle unfolds, Trump’s broader agenda of reducing U.S. foreign aid and government spending remains in question—especially if the courts continue to block key elements of his plan.
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