Key Points:

• The U.S. Institute of Peace experienced a dramatic standoff when staff from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) evicted officials.
• President Trump targeted the institute in a February executive order aimed at reducing federal operations.
• Former CEO George Moose called it an illegal takeover, stating that the USIP is an independent agency protected by law.

On Monday, a tense situation unfolded at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) as members of DOGE entered the building with the assistance of D.C. police, leading to the forced eviction of several agency officials. The chaos erupted amid an escalating conflict over the institute's federal status and its role in U.S. foreign policy.

The institute, which has operated as a nonpartisan, independent organization dedicated to preventing violent conflict and brokering peace, was targeted by President Donald Trump in a February 19 executive order calling for significant cuts within federal agencies. Following the chaos, former CEO George Moose, who was dismissed just days prior, expressed his shock at the events, stating, “DOGE has broken into our building.” He maintained that the institute is protected from reorganization efforts due to its unique status as a congressional nonprofit.

According to statements, DOGE staff had attempted to gain access to the USIP on several occasions, but previous attempts were thwarted when officials asserted their independent status. This situation shifted dramatically when they arrived on-site accompanied by police following the dismissal of most of USIP’s board members, as part of Trump's push to restructure the agency.

Moose described the actions taken by DOGE as an “illegal takeover” of the nonprofit organization. He stated, “The statute is very clear about the status of this building and this institute,” adding to the ongoing legal disputes over the board changes initiated by the Trump administration.

In a social media post, DOGE claimed that Moose denied lawful access to Kenneth Jackson, the newly appointed acting president, and highlighted their efforts to ensure a smooth transition in leadership as authorized by the board. Meanwhile, D.C. police indicated their involvement was legal under the new resolution passed by the board.

The situation reflects broader tensions surrounding the Trump administration's approach to federal agencies and raises questions about the future of organizations like USIP, which are seen as vital to American diplomatic efforts abroad. According to attorney George Foote, representing USIP, “The building was seized by force...we are going to get a court to declare [the resolution] invalid.”

The circumstances surrounding this incident exemplify a broader clash over the administration's direction, as officials continue to navigate the implications of drastic changes amidst legal challenges. The future of peacebuilding efforts by this longstanding institution remains uncertain amidst ongoing political turbulence.

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