Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace
A judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally removed USIP board members, blocking efforts to dismantle the organization overseen by Elon Musk's DOGE.
Overview
U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the Trump administration's takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was unlawful, stating that the board's removal exceeded executive powers. Howell emphasized that the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including transferring assets and firing staff, were a blatant overreach of authority. Previously announced by Trump as part of a campaign to reduce federal government size, these moves led to widespread contention and a lawsuit from former board members. Howell's ruling reinstates the board amid significant public support, and the government has 30 days to appeal.
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Analysis
- Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle the US Institute of Peace (USIP) through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was unlawful and that all subsequent actions taken were null and void.
- The ruling highlighted that the USIP is an independent organization established by Congress, and Trump's actions to dismiss its board and change its leadership breached federal law and legislative authority.
- The judge criticized the use of law enforcement to execute the takeover, describing it as a gross usurpation of power and emphasizing that such measures unnecessarily traumatized the employees involved.
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FAQ
The Trump administration attempted to take over the U.S. Institute of Peace based on an executive order issued in February 2025, which designated USIP as unnecessary and subject to dissolution. This move was part of a broader effort to reduce the federal bureaucracy.
The DOGE took over USIP’s headquarters, expelled its leadership, and attempted to install new leadership, including Kenneth Jackson as acting president. They also transferred USIP property to the General Services Administration and terminated nearly all staff.
Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the Trump administration's takeover of USIP was unlawful, stating that the actions taken by DOGE were a blatant overreach of authority. She ordered the reinstatement of the original board members and declared the appointments and actions of DOGE as null and void.
The U.S. Institute of Peace was created and funded by Congress to focus on resolving violent conflicts around the globe. It operates as an independent nonprofit organization.
The government has 30 days to appeal the ruling made by Judge Beryl Howell.
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