Chicago – March 20, 2025
A federal judge on Wednesday declined to stop the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), even though she was troubled by how the takeover happened. The Trump administration’s move to dismantle USIP—a congressionally funded think tank—led to a tense standoff between law enforcement and USIP staff earlier in the week.
In response, five members of USIP’s board filed a lawsuit, claiming they were unlawfully removed from their positions. They sought reinstatement and an immediate halt to the administration’s actions.
Judge Beryl Howell said the lawsuit lacked clarity and questioned whether the plaintiffs had shown that they faced significant harm—both of which are necessary to justify an emergency legal order.
She also highlighted unresolved questions about USIP’s legal status: whether it’s an independent agency or part of the executive branch. Despite ruling against the restraining order, Howell strongly criticized DOGE’s aggressive and disruptive behavior during the takeover, saying it likely frightened employees.
