A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily allowed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk, to proceed with its takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The institute had accused DOGE of forcefully occupying its headquarters.
The emergency ruling followed an incident on Monday when DOGE staff, assisted by police officers, gained access to USIP’s Washington headquarters, which is an independent nonprofit funded by Congress and located across from the U.S. State Department.
Read more: Tesla Owners’ Personal Data Leaked on Controversial Website
This takeover is one of the most aggressive actions taken by DOGE under the Trump administration’s initiative to reduce government size by cutting the 2.3-million-strong federal workforce and lowering costs.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell criticized DOGE’s entry tactics but declined to order an immediate halt. USIP had sought legal intervention to prevent what it called the “unlawful dismantling” of the institute. However, Howell noted issues with the lawsuit, as it was filed by only five board members rather than the full board, and the ousted president was not included as a plaintiff.
Despite these legal complications, Howell expressed concern over the forced entry, calling it “terrorizing” and condemning the treatment of USIP staff. “I am offended on behalf of American citizens,” she said, adding that the staff had been treated “abominably.” She scheduled another hearing but did not specify a date.
The conflict escalated on Monday when USIP staff attempted to secure the building by locking its doors. However, DOGE personnel, aided by local police, expelled USIP’s president, several employees, and an attorney. USIP’s chief security officer, who initially called for police assistance, stated in an affidavit that officers instead helped remove USIP personnel from the premises.
Before the ruling, a White House spokesperson defended the takeover, stating that President Donald Trump was asserting his executive authority and that “rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage.”
In its lawsuit, USIP described the takeover as “literal trespass and takeover by force.” It accused DOGE staff of ransacking offices to gain control of the institute’s infrastructure, including sensitive computer systems.
Neither DOGE, USIP, nor their legal teams provided comments following the ruling. The White House also did not issue an immediate statement.
USIP argued that the takeover violated federal law since it is not a government agency. Established by Congress in 1984, the institute’s mission is to safeguard U.S. interests by preventing violent conflicts and facilitating peace negotiations worldwide. It receives $55 million in congressional funding annually, alongside private donations.
On March 14, Trump dismissed most of USIP’s board members without explanation, which the lawsuit claims was unlawful. The remaining board members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, removed the USIP president and appointed a Trump loyalist who later joined DOGE staff in occupying the building.
Last month, Trump issued an executive order falsely declaring USIP a government entity and labeling it “unnecessary.”
