Trump Administration Seizes Control of U.S. Institute of Peace

The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, entered the nonprofit's headquarters with police support, escalating a legal and political confrontation over executive authority.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gained access to the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters on March 17, accompanied by DC police, after previous entry attempts were denied.
USIP leadership, including former CEO George Moose, has condemned the takeover as illegal and vowed to challenge it in court, asserting the nonprofit's independence from the executive branch.
DOGE's actions follow a February executive order by President Trump targeting USIP and other organizations for downsizing as part of broader federal cost-cutting measures.
Most of USIP's board was removed by the Trump administration, leaving three appointees who installed Kenneth Jackson as acting president, a move disputed by USIP as unlawful.
Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Don Beyer, have criticized the intervention as unconstitutional, pledging to address the issue through legal and congressional avenues.