Judge rules DOGE can take over peace institute headquarters for free
- A young DOGE staffer is leading efforts to transfer the U.S. Institute for Peace headquarters to the General Services Administration.
- The Trump administration dismissed USIP's board on March 14, followed by a ruling that the building transfer was complete as of March 29.
- The actions have sparked legal challenges and criticism about the future of the agency and accountability for taxpayer funds.
In Washington, D.C., on March 29, 2025, a significant legal ruling occurred involving the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Following the Trump administration's decision to dismiss USIP's board on March 14, 2025, DOGE, led by a young tech entrepreneur named Nate Cavanaugh, swiftly moved to take control of the institute. His plan included transferring USIP’s $500 million headquarters to the General Services Administration (GSA) at no cost. Despite USIP being an independent nonprofit, the move was justified by the current administration as a means to ensure accountability for taxpayer-funded organizations. The process faced legal challenges from former USIP officials who contested the legitimacy of the transfer, arguing that the organization is not a federal agency. Court battles ensued, but Judge Beryl Howell ruled on April 1, 2025, that the building had already been transferred as of March 29, 2025. This ruling occurred despite previous criticism from Howell regarding DOGE's aggressive takeover tactics, which included the involvement of law enforcement to secure the building against USIP staff members who initially resisted access. Following the takeover, termination notices were issued to most of USIP's employees as part of a broader restructuring under Musk's management. The Trump administration defended the actions by contending that public funding necessitated oversight and reform of the institute’s operations, which they deemed ineffective. Further complicating the situation, Howell indicated that the issue of reinstating the board and its authority over the building would be addressed in an upcoming ruling, leaving the final outcome uncertain. Critics of the administration’s actions pointed to a concerning trend of dismantling institutions that pursue research and promote global peace. The USIP, founded in 1984, has historically operated with the aim of advancing peace and conflict resolution strategies. The recent decision to eliminate its workforce and transfer its assets represents a significant shift in the landscape of U.S. foreign policy and global peace initiatives, reflecting broader governmental priorities under the current administration.