The U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP), a federally funded non-profit organization, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after claiming that DOGE had committed "literal trespass and takeover by force" of the Institute's headquarters building. USIP also accused DOGE of "ongoing destruction of the Institute's physical and electronic property."
In a decision on Wednesday, Judge Beryl Howell denied USIP's request for a temporary restraining order (TRO). Howell said that she was "uncomfortable" with the confusion in the complaint and that she was "particularly concerned about plaintiffs' likelihood of success."
USIP was established in 1984 under the Reagan administration. Its goal is to "[protect] U.S. interests by helping to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad." USIP had infamously not complied with President Donald Trump's February executive order to pull back the "scope of federal bureaucracy," refusing to reduce its size to the statutory minimum listed in the order.
As such, the Trump administration fired 11 of its 14 board members last week, leaving only Secretary of State , Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Defense University President Peter Garvin.
Howell's decision came shortly after the White House told Fox News Digital that the Trump administration had gutted USIP of "rogue bureaucrats.
7 Comments
Matzomaster
The government's actions are a direct threat to peace and stability in the world. We cannot stand by and watch this happen.
Karamba
The future of peace and diplomacy is at stake. We must act now to protect USIP and the values it represents.
Rotfront
The silence of other world leaders is deafening. Where is the international community in all of this?
Coccinella
Shocking! The government shouldn't be able to seize property like this.
ZmeeLove
This is a victory for the rule of law. The government should not be above the law.
Karamba
Finally! It's about time someone took action against these rogue bureaucrats at USIP.
KittyKat
We cannot let the Trump administration get away with this. We must continue to speak out and demand that they respect the rule of law.