Judge Denies Restraint on Trump Administration's Takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace
A federal judge criticizes the treatment of USIP staff by DOGE while refusing to restore ousted officials amid takeover efforts.
Howell's decision came shortly after the White House told Fox News Digital that the Trump administration had gutted USIP of "rogue bureaucrats."
Judge denies embattled government-funded agency's restraining order request against DOGE
FOX News·1M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
However, the judge took the government to task for the way in which the executive order was carried out, calling it “terrorizing” and “abominable.”
Federal Judge Declines to Block Firing of US Institute of Peace Leadership
Epoch Times·1M·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Howell noted that judges in D.C.'s District Court and in other jurisdictions around the country have had to wrestle with a lack of clarity in legal precedent over the president's firing authorities that ultimately will have to be decided by the Supreme Court.
ABC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The move by Musk's team is the latest and potentially most aggressive example of DOGE taking over a building as part of Trump's push to slash the size of government by reducing the 2.3-million strong federal workforce and lowering costs.
Judge declines to bar DOGE from the US Institute of Peace after standoff
USA TODAY·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The Institute of Peace is the latest organization to come under scrutiny by the Trump administration and DOGE as part of the president's initiative to scale down the size of the federal government.
Judge denies bid to stop DOGE's efforts to take over U.S. Institute of Peace
CBS News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell denied a temporary restraining order aimed at preventing the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). In her ruling, Howell expressed offense at the alleged treatment of removed staff and the involvement of armed law enforcement during the restructuring. Though she acknowledged potential legal violations in the firings of USIP's president and board members, she stated the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success in their case. This ruling comes amid ongoing disputes regarding federal authority over the independent institution.
Perspectives
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell criticized the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for their aggressive and 'abominable' treatment of the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP) personnel during the attempted takeover.
Despite concerns over the enforcement methods used by DOGE, Judge Howell declined to reinstate the ousted board members of USIP, stating they did not meet the legal criteria for a temporary restraining order.
The case reflects larger tensions regarding the relationship between the Trump administration and independent federal institutions, highlighting issues of executive power and treatment of civil servants.