Trump administration’s efficiency department abruptly fires almost all staff at the US Institute of Peace, declaring the bloated federal agency “has failed to deliver peace.”
At a Glance
- Nearly all U.S. Institute of Peace employees received immediate termination notices, with dismissals executed via personal emails after staff lost system access
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, took over USIP headquarters with assistance from Washington police
- White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the action, saying President Trump “is carrying out his mandate to eliminate bloat and save taxpayer dollars”
- A lawsuit challenging the takeover failed to reinstate board members or employees, though a judge criticized DOGE’s methods
DOGE Moves Swiftly to Dismantle Peace Institute
In a decisive move that has sent shockwaves through Washington’s federal bureaucracy, nearly all U.S.-based employees of the United States Institute of Peace received termination notices as part of President Trump’s aggressive government downsizing initiative. The congressionally funded think tank became the latest target in the administration’s efficiency campaign led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The mass dismissal represents one of the most dramatic examples yet of Trump’s promise to slash what he considers unnecessary federal spending.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly made no apologies for the action, stating bluntly that the institute “has failed to deliver peace” and emphasizing that President Trump “is carrying out his mandate to eliminate bloat and save taxpayer dollars.” The swift takeover operation saw DOGE representatives gain access to USIP’s headquarters building with assistance from Washington police officers after initially being denied entry, highlighting the administration’s determination to overcome resistance to its efficiency measures.
Controversial Takeover Methods Draw Criticism
The termination notices were delivered to employees’ personal email accounts, as many staff members had already lost access to the organization’s computer systems. Adding to the controversy, DOGE representatives reportedly gained control over USIP’s computer infrastructure with help from a former IT employee. Some employees even reported receiving phishing emails from compromised USIP accounts in what appears to have been a comprehensive takeover strategy designed to secure complete control of the institute’s operations and data.
“The dismissal of U.S. Institute of Peace employees in the dark of night is unconscionable and deeply troubling. The Institute’s employees are fiercely dedicated to their important work, and they don’t deserve to be treated with such disrespect,” said George M. Foote, USIP’s outside general counsel.
Despite these protests, employees were given until April 7 to clear out their desks. Terminated staff members were offered additional cash and one month of healthcare coverage, but only if they agree not to take legal action against USIP – a condition many view as an attempt to prevent further challenges to the administration’s actions. Only a small contingent of employees, including some human resources personnel and overseas staff, were temporarily spared from the mass termination.
Legal Battle Unfolds But Provides Little Relief
The dramatic takeover quickly prompted legal action, with USIP pursuing a lawsuit to reverse DOGE’s efforts to dismantle the organization. However, in a setback for the institute’s leadership, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell denied a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration. Though the judge expressed concerns about DOGE’s methods, she determined that the legal standards for immediate intervention had not been met, leaving the administration’s actions in place while the broader case continues.
“I am very offended by how DOGE has operated at the institute and treated American citizens trying to do a job that they were statutorily tasked to do. But that concern about how this has gone down is not one that can sway me in the factors of a TRO,” stated Judge Howell in her ruling.
The legal dispute centers on whether USIP falls under the executive branch’s complete control. Founded by Congress in 1984 to support peace-building efforts worldwide, the institute has operated with a degree of independence despite receiving federal funding. The controversy extends beyond USIP, as it was just one of four agencies targeted by a presidential executive order for closure or major restructuring, signaling the administration’s determination to reshape numerous government entities.
Questions Raised About Agency’s Effectiveness
While defenders of the institute emphasize its unique role in conflict resolution, critics have long questioned whether taxpayers receive adequate value from its operations. Despite its four-decade existence and annual budget of approximately $55 million, USIP’s tangible contributions to global peace remain difficult to quantify. The organization primarily produces reports, holds conferences, and provides advisory services – activities that supporters say complement military and diplomatic efforts but that skeptics view as duplicative of work done by other government agencies.
“We are the other tool in the toolbox,” argued Mary Glantz, a former senior adviser at the institute, defending its role alongside military and diplomatic options for conflict resolution.
The controversial dismantling of USIP represents a test case in the Trump administration’s broader efforts to streamline government operations and reduce federal spending. Critics warn that the methods employed may raise constitutional concerns about executive power, while supporters maintain that such decisive action is precisely what voters demanded in electing a president committed to draining Washington’s bureaucratic swamp. As the legal battles continue, the fate of USIP’s mission and its scattered staff remains uncertain.
