In a significant legal decision, the courts have ruled against DOGE and the US government in their attempt to take full control of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), which includes a headquarters building valued at approximately $500 million.
U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell issued a memorandum opinion favoring the former institute board and staff, who had sought reinstatement after being removed by DOGE affiliates in March. The judge criticized the defendants, including the U.S. DOGE Service, former President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other government representatives and agencies.
Judge Howell stated that the removal of USIP’s Board of Directors was unlawful, rendering it null and void. The court order requires the reinstatement of the ousted board members and nullifies actions taken since their removal, including the transfer of the headquarters. It also bars the defendants from accessing or controlling the institute’s offices, facilities, and resources.
This ruling marks a significant setback for DOGE’s government takeover efforts. The Justice Department has not yet commented.
The conflict began with an executive order on February 19 declaring the agency unnecessary and calling for its elimination. USIP maintained its independence from the executive branch. However, on March 14, the Trump administration dismissed the ten voting board members of USIP, and DOGE representatives, along with FBI agents, attempted to enter the USIP headquarters but were denied access.
Court documents describe escalating efforts to access the agency’s property. On March 16, FBI agents pressured a senior USIP security employee for access information, and DOGE coordinated with Inter-Con, USIP’s security firm, to gain entry. USIP officials responded by suspending Inter-Con’s contract.
Despite these measures, four Inter-Con employees entered the headquarters on March 17 with a physical key, prompting USIP personnel to contact the DC Metropolitan Police. The police eventually assisted DOGE and other officials in taking control of the building.
Following this, six USIP staff members received termination notices, and DOGE representative Nate Cavanaugh assumed control of the agency, transferring USIP’s assets to the General Services Administration. Almost all remaining USIP employees were terminated by March 28, ahead of a court decision on a motion by USIP attorneys to halt the asset transfer.
