Elon Musk's takeover of USIP leads to vermin infestation

In the United States, the United States Institute of Peace's headquarters in Washington, D.C. has faced significant deterioration since March 17, 2025, after Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency took over. An affidavit filed by George Moose, the President and CEO of USIP, outlines the severe conditions that arose following a drastic reduction in staffing and the replacement of the board with MAGA loyalists. The organization, previously self-sustained and maintaining its facilities, encountered a troubling new chapter following its annexation by elements of the executive branch. After the takeover, the building soon exhibited severe neglect, leading to problems such as water damage, graffiti, and a notable infestation of roaches and rats. Moose reported that he became aware of these issues the day after regaining control of USIP and that there had been substantial disrepair and health risks that had gone unattended. The previously vibrant institute, established to promote international stability, quickly devolved into a situation where it was severely understaffed and its resources mismanaged, raising concerns about the organization's future and viability. Following the ruling by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on May 19, which declared the DOGE seizure of USIP unlawful, Moose and his staff returned to the building only to discover the extent of the damage. His affidavit indicated that the previous management was woefully unprepared to address routine maintenance and security concerns. Upon inspection, staff members uncovered affiliated issues beyond vermin, including lapses in facility maintenance, which called into question the operational capacity of the institute moving forward. As Moose and his team prepared to rebuild and reactivate the organization, the implications of abrupt leadership changes and government involvement left a shadow over the institute's mission. Efforts to obtain restoration and funding for facilities and resources remained uncertain given the ongoing legal disputes and the appeal by Trump and DOGE regarding Howell's judgment. The unfolding saga raises critical questions about the intersections of government control, philanthropic intent, and the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in the political sphere.