Judge Rules Against Trump’s Actions Regarding USIP

On Monday, US District Judge Beryl Howell stated that former President Trump was improperly utilizing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to take control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). She deemed this action “illegal.”

Established by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, the USIP is responsible for conducting research and diplomatic training aimed at fostering “peaceful dispute resolution overseas” without direct involvement from the U.S. government.

The judge noted that USIP operates as an independent entity with significant authority to prevent its closure. She pointed out that actions taken by the Trump administration, such as dismissing the USIP president, appointing DOGE officials in his place, and transferring nearly all USIP staff properties, were carried out without the legal authority needed.

Previously, it was reported that the USIP had requested $55.4 million for the fiscal year 2025.

According to USIP, it had been targeted by DOGE as part of a broader initiative, labeled as unnecessary in a February Executive order titled “Minimize waste and abuse, reduce inflation, and promote American freedom and innovation.” This order aimed to eliminate certain government entities to the greatest extent allowed by law.

The court’s ruling indicated that following the executive order, DOGE removed most of USIP’s staff and placed its remaining responsibilities under the General Services Administration (GSA).

The administration terminated USIP’s then-president, George Moose, along with board members. Moose and some board members subsequently filed lawsuits claiming their dismissals were illegal.

Notably, Howell had initially declined to halt DOGE’s control over USIP. However, in her latest ruling, she instructed Moose and the board members to be reinstated within the organization.

This ruling is part of a series of decisions by federal judges addressing actions taken during the Trump administration.

In a related case, District Judge Patricia Toliver Giles of Virginia ordered federal authorities to release Dr. Badar Khan Sri, a researcher affiliated with the National Indian and Georgetown University, who had been detained without formal charges since May 14th.