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- Employees of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) entered the U.S. Institute of Peace with the help of D.C. police.
- The entry follows a February 19 executive order by President Trump aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.
- USIP officials claim the entry is an illegal takeover, highlighting the institute’s independent status.
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Essential Context
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a nonpartisan think tank funded by Congress since 1984, has been at the center of a contentious standoff. Employees of Elon Musk’s DOGE, backed by President Trump, have forcibly entered the institute’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Core Players
- Elon Musk – Founder of DOGE
- President Trump – President of the United States
- George Moose – President Trump CEO of USIP
- Kenneth Jackson – New acting president of USIP, appointed by President Trump
- U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) – Independent nonprofit think tank
Key Numbers
- 1984 – Year USIP was established by Congress
- February 19, 2025 – Date of President Trump’s executive order targeting USIP and other organizations
- 11 – Number of USIP board members fired by the Trump administration
- 3 – Number of remaining USIP board members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin
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The Catalyst
President Trump’s executive order on February 19, aimed at shrinking the federal government, targeted several organizations including the U.S. Institute of Peace. This order led to the firing of most of USIP’s board members and the appointment of new leadership.
“DOGE has broken into our building,” said George Moose, President Trump CEO of USIP, highlighting the institute’s resistance to the takeover.
Inside Forces
The Trump administration’s move to reduce the size of the federal government has been met with strong opposition from USIP. The institute argues it is an independent nonprofit corporation, not subject to executive branch oversight. Despite this, DOGE workers, accompanied by D.C. police, successfully entered the building after several failed attempts.
USIP’s lawyers had previously argued that the institute’s private and independent status protected it from such reorganization, but these arguments were not upheld.
Power Dynamics
The Trump administration, through its remaining board members, has significant influence over USIP. The new acting president, Kenneth Jackson, was appointed by the remaining board members, which include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin.
“Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the President’s executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly.
Outside Impact
The incident has broader implications for other organizations targeted by President Trump’s executive order, including the U.S. African Development Foundation and the Inter-American Foundation. These organizations are also facing similar challenges in resisting the administration’s reorganization efforts.
The African Development Foundation, for instance, went to court but was ruled against, allowing the removal of most grants and staff.
Future Forces
USIP has vowed to take legal action against the Trump administration, arguing that the takeover is illegal. The future of the institute and other targeted organizations remains uncertain as they navigate the legal and political landscape.
Key areas to watch include the outcome of legal challenges, the response from Congress, and the potential long-term impact on foreign assistance and peace-building initiatives.
Data Points
- February 19, 2025 – Date of President Trump’s executive order
- March 18, 2025 – Date DOGE staff entered USIP headquarters
- 1984 – Year USIP was established by Congress
- 3 – Number of remaining USIP board members after the firings
- 11 – Number of USIP board members fired by the Trump administration
The standoff between DOGE and USIP reflects a broader struggle over the role of independent agencies in the federal government. As the legal and political battles unfold, the future of these organizations and their critical work in conflict resolution and peace-building hangs in the balance.
