A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to take over the United States Institute of Peace, finding that the president exceeded his authority when he dismissed the institute’s leadership and moved to dismantle its operations.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued a 102-page ruling declaring that the removal of the USIP president and board members was unlawful and that every action taken to transfer the institute’s assets including its Washington headquarters must be considered “null and void.” She ordered that the fired officials be reinstated immediately.
Earlier this year, the White House directed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce USIP to its “statutory minimums.” In March, the administration dismissed nearly the entire professional staff, installed directors affiliated with DOGE, and, with assistance from D.C. police, seized control of the institute’s headquarters. USIP, created by Congress to promote global conflict resolution, challenged the takeover in court.
Five former board members filed suit, arguing that their removal violated the law and that they should be restored to their positions. In her opinion, Judge Howell emphasized that no statute grants the president or any executive agency the power to dissolve or repurpose a congressionally chartered body in this manner. She described the takeover as a “gross usurpation of power” that traumatized the institute’s dedicated leadership and staff.
Following the announcement of the ruling, more than twenty former USIP employees gathered outside the shuttered headquarters building in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the decision. “Incredulous, so excited, just crying for joy,” recalled Tonis Montes, formerly a senior program officer for the nonviolent action team, as colleagues embraced and shared relief at the court’s intervention.
Amid the jubilation, voices from outside the courtroom added context to the ruling’s broader significance. Political analyst Shibley Telhami took to Twitter on May 19, 2025, applauding Judge Howell’s decision:
Wow: U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that "the removal of USIP’s president, his replacement by officials affiliated with DOGE, the termination of nearly all of USIP’s staff, and the transfer of USIP property to the General Services Administration" were "effectuated by… https://t.co/NU1SMiSoun
— Shibley Telhami (@ShibleyTelhami) May 19, 2025
Those dismissed in March lost access to their official email accounts and workspaces. Many expressed hope that, once reinstated, they would soon regain entry to the building and resume their roles.
“If Americans believe in peace and security, they should believe in the United States Institute of Peace,” said Nicoletta Barbera, an Africa expert at USIP. “We support American values abroad, showing that peace is more effective and less costly than conflict.”
Mary Holmcrams, another former staff member, noted that the case underscores the dangers of unchecked executive power. She added that this ruling may serve as a precedent for other entities targeted by DOGE.
The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the court’s decision.
A key question in the case was whether USIP falls within the federal government—and, if so, whether it is part of the executive branch. In her analysis, Judge Howell concluded that USIP is unique: it is neither a traditional executive agency nor a private nonprofit. Instead, she found, USIP operates as an independent entity that supports both the legislative and executive branches through its international peace research, education, training, and information services. Because it is not an executive branch agency, the president lacked authority to remove its leaders at will.
George Moose, USIP’s acting president and a former diplomat, welcomed the ruling. “We are delighted,” he said. “This affirms what we have long argued: Congress intentionally structured USIP as independent of the executive branch to ensure it can carry out its mission effectively.”
The government may appeal Judge Howell’s decision. Meanwhile, Moose acknowledged that fully restoring USIP’s operations will take time, even if the ruling stands. He expressed confidence, however, that the institute will regain its footing and continue its work promoting peace around the world.
