In a pointed rebuke of Donald Trump, Elon Musk and “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE)’s attempt to erase (or take over) whole sections of U.S. government, Judge Beryl Howell ruled that removing board of directors from United States Institute of Peace (USIP) was “unlawful.”
Howell also deemed “null and void” any members of the Trump administration’s claim to USIP’s Washington-D.C. headquarters, purportedly worth $500 million.
As Brian Barrett wrote for Wired magazine, Howell’s ruling was directed squarely at defendants, which include Trump, Pete Hegseth, and other agencies and individuals.
In a memorandum opinion, US district court judge Beryl Howell ruled in favor of the former institute board and staff who had sued to be reinstalled at the agency after DOGE affiliates forcibly removed them in March. She also gave a strong rebuke to the defendants in the case, who include the US DOGE Service, President Donald Trump, secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, and several other government representatives and agencies.
Brian Barrett, Wired
The case stems from an executive order Trump issued in mid February, stating that USIP was “unnecessary” and demanded its closure; USIP was quick to respond that it is an independent agency that “operates independent of the executive branch.” The following month, Trump fired the entire board.
That same day, according to court filings, DOGE representatives—accompanied by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation—tried to enter USIP headquarters but were turned away. In court documents, lawyers for the USIP detail a rapid escalation of attempts to access the agency’s property.
Brian Barrett, Wired
An independent nonprofit funded by congress, USIP’s mission is to promote and facilitate conflict resolution worldwide.
The attempted-hostile takeover of USIP by “DOGE” and other operatives fits a similar pattern, in which Musk operatives interrogated workers at United States Digital Service (USDS)—a division they ultimately took over; and Musk’s young associates also seized control of U.S. Treasury system in February.
That same month, nearly two dozen “DOGE” staffers resigned and refused to “dismantle government” at behest of their bosses.
AUTHOR FOOTNOTE
Donald and Elon have both—separately and together—falsely declared multiple government functions useless, like NOAA and others. But in the case of taking over USIP, the $500M property is likely the Golden Goose they’re after. Remember, Donny is very fond of acquiring properties and running them to ground in bankruptcy, while walking away unscathed. His GSA is also exploring ways to sell off other government properties, so we’d be smart to keep eyes peeled for whatever cut Donny expects out of the deal.
After using his D.C. hotel as the site of emoluments violations, he sold it off. As terrible as he is at managing real estate assets, he knows there’s money to be made in Washington D.C. proper. And, to my eye, that’s the point of this particular effort.
Last point: USIP represents one in a multifaceted toolbox of American “soft power,” which seeks to exert influence abroad with non-military efforts. In other words, it’s very much in the same bucket with USAID—and Donald’s goons are trying (and succeeding a fair amount) to dismantle that as well.
In this case, “soft power” is tantamount to being a soft target for destruction.
SOURCES
- Wired
- Beryl Howell’s ruling (PDF)
- Washington Times
- Northwestern Now
