Trump Admin Removes Most US Institute of Peace Officials

A tense standoff unfolded at the US Institute of Peace when the Trump administration, alongside Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, sought to remove the institute’s president, George Moose.

Key Takeaways

President Donald Trump aimed to downsize the US Institute of Peace as part of his “America First” agenda.
DOGE staff entered the US Institute of Peace building in order to install Kenneth Jackson, a former State Department official, as the new president of the organization.
George Moose, the president who was fired from the Institute as part of cost-cutting measures, described the entry into the US Institute of Peace building by DOGE as an illegal takeover.
The Trump administration fired most of the institute’s bipartisan board.
Trump’s executive order targeted several organizations for downsizing or elimination.

Standoff at the US Institute of Peace

The US Institute of Peace found itself the center of a conflict when DOGE, supported by law enforcement, entered the building to strip George Moose of his leadership position. This comes after President Donald Trump signed an order last month seeking to reduce or eliminate a number of organizations. The US Institute of Peace was one of the organizations targeted in the order.

On Monday, DOGE staff were reportedly denied access to the building, and at one point, the USIP called the police. They reportedly left without significant incident after escorting Kenneth Jackson into the building. Jackson was appointed president of the USIP in Moose’s place. “11 board members were lawfully removed, and remaining board members appointed Kenneth Jackson acting president,” a White House spokesperson said, noting that the USIP had failed to comply with Trump’s order.

However, critics argue that the institute’s independence was ignored, with Rep. Don Beyer citing the event as a “break in.” Moose maintains this act violated the institute’s autonomy, arguing that it is not under the jurisdiction of the president.

Established in 1984 during the Reagan administration, the US Institute of Peace aims to prevent global conflicts through peaceful measures. However, under Trump’s directive, DOGE has worked to dismantle or diminish several government entities, including USIP. According to internal reports, the institute is not part of the executive branch, raising questions about the legality of DOGE’s entry.

Efforts to Downsize Government

The move against USIP aligns with President Trump’s broader agenda to streamline government functions and cut spending. Tens of thousands of job cuts have been announced across government agencies, including departments such as Education and Veteran Affairs. DOGE has already faced a few legal challenges to its broader efforts.

George Moose has expressed his intent to pursue legal avenues, underscoring the view that the forced takeover breached legal boundaries. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency continues to face controversy for its methods and motives, fueling an ongoing debate over executive power and its limits.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

With George Moose ousted and Kenneth Jackson appointed as the new president, the future of the US Institute of Peace remains uncertain. The alterations to its leadership and board highlight the Trump administration’s aggressive restructuring efforts. While Jackson steps into a turbulent role, attention shifts to preserving the institute’s mission amidst political upheaval.

The changes within USIP signify a broader trend of reevaluating and reducing federal agencies, with political leaders arguing over the benefits and detriments of such actions. As this story unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how these decisions impact both domestic and global peacekeeping efforts.