The Trump Administration’s Actions Against the U.S. Institute of Peace
In a significant move, the Trump administration recently targeted the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), an independent nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984. The administration fired most of the USIP board members, including notable figures such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin. This action was followed by the appointment of Kenneth Jackson as the acting president, replacing the ousted CEO, George Moose. The Trump administration’s actions were part of a broader effort to shrink the federal government and consolidate control over agencies involved in foreign assistance work.
The USIP’s Status and Response
The USIP is a congressionally funded independent nonprofit that works to advance U.S. values in conflict resolution, ending wars, and promoting good governance. Despite its independence, the Trump administration, through an executive order signed in February, targeted the USIP and other organizations for reductions. The administration sent members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to take over the USIP headquarters in Washington, D.C. The USIP leadership, however, pushed back against this move, with George Moose vowing legal action and arguing that the takeover was illegal. Moose emphasized that the USIP is not part of the executive branch and operates as a private nonprofit.
The Role of DOGE in the Takeover
The DOGE, a department created by Elon Musk, played a central role in the Trump administration’s efforts to take over the USIP. Despite initial resistance from USIP employees and legal challenges, DOGE workers finally gained access to the USIP building on Monday. The situation escalated to the point where police vehicles were seen outside the building, and the USIP called the police for assistance. The DOGE’s actions were part of the administration’s broader push to assert control over agencies tied to foreign assistance, despite the USIP’s independent status.
The Broader Context of Trump’s Executive Order
The USIP was not the only target of Trump’s executive order, which aimed to shrink the size of the federal government. The order also named the U.S. African Development Foundation, the Inter-American Foundation, and the Presidio Trust. These organizations, like the USIP, were seen as part of the broader foreign assistance landscape that the Trump administration sought to dismantle. The administration’s actions followed its earlier dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the slashing of other agencies, including the Education Department. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly justified the administration’s actions, claiming that the USIP had been “noncompliant” with Trump’s executive order.
Legal Battles and Challenges
The Trump administration’s actions against the USIP and other organizations have been met with legal challenges. The USIP leadership, led by George Moose, argued that the administration’s takeover was illegal and violated the organization’s independent status. Moose noted that the USIP’s work aligns with Trump’s goals of keeping the U.S. out of foreign wars and resolving conflicts before they escalate. Despite these arguments, the administration has pressed ahead with its efforts to consolidate control over these organizations. In the case of the U.S. African Development Foundation, a federal judge ruled that the administration’s actions were legal, while the president of the Inter-American Foundation sued to block her firing.
Looking Ahead
As the Trump administration continues its efforts to shrink the federal government and consolidate control over agencies tied to foreign assistance, the USIP and other organizations face an uncertain future. The legal battles over the administration’s actions are likely to continue, with the USIP leadership vowing to fight the takeover in court. The situation underscores the broader tensions between the Trump administration and organizations involved in foreign assistance work, as well as the administration’s push to assert executive authority over independent agencies. As the legal challenges play out, the future of organizations like the USIP, and their ability to carry out their mission, hangs in the balance.
