Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Institute of Peace, ruling the organization exists outside direct executive branch control.
At a Glance
- Judge Beryl A. Howell denied the Trump administration’s request to stay her earlier ruling that restored control of USIP to its acting president and board
- The judge determined USIP is not part of the executive branch and therefore beyond President Trump’s authority to fire its leadership
- USIP leadership was ousted in March as part of actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
- Acting President George Moose has regained control of the headquarters building and plans to bring back the institute’s workforce
- The Trump administration has indicated it will appeal the decision
Court Rules Against Administration’s Takeover Attempt
A federal judge has delivered a significant setback to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). Judge Beryl A. Howell denied the administration’s request to stay her May 19 ruling that returned control of the institute to its acting president and board.
The judge determined that the government failed to meet the four requirements for a stay, including demonstrating a strong likelihood of success on appeal. This latest decision reaffirms the court’s position that the administration overstepped its authority when it attempted to shut down the organization.
In her ruling, Judge Howell emphasized that USIP exists outside the traditional three branches of government, stating, “As the Court has previously pointed out, other entities also fall outside of this tripartite structure.”
This classification places significant limitations on presidential authority over the organization, which was established by Congress in 1984. The judge further determined that the administration’s actions in firing the board and leadership did not comply with the legal process for removing institute leadership as established by Congress.
DOGE’s Controversial March Takeover
The conflict began in March when Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) took control of the institute as part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative. During this action, acting president George Moose was fired along with most of the staff, and the organization’s headquarters was transferred to the General Services Administration. The takeover reportedly involved FBI agents and police officers, who helped install new leadership appointed by the administration and effectively halted the institute’s operations in over two dozen conflict zones worldwide.
“We just did a quick walk-through — externally, visibly, things look to be in pretty good shape. I didn’t see anything, any destruction, if you will, no damage that I can see that is visible,” said George Moose after regaining access to USIP headquarters.
The institute responded to these actions by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the takeover violated the organization’s congressionally established independence. Judge Howell’s ruling on May 19 declared the board’s firing illegal and all subsequent actions taken by the administration regarding USIP as “null and void.” This determination effectively restored the institute’s original leadership structure and invalidated changes made during the DOGE takeover period.
Administration Pushback and Institute Restoration
The Trump administration has signaled its intention to fight the court’s decision. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly issued a statement defending the administration’s actions: “President Trump is right to reduce failed, useless entities like USIP to their statutory minimum, and the rogue judge’s attempt to impede on the separation of powers will not be the last say on the matter.”
Meanwhile, acting President Moose has already begun the process of restoring the institute’s operations. Teams from human resources, technology, and finance are now preparing the building for the return of staff. The administration’s request for even a brief two-day stay to prepare an appeal was denied by Judge Howell, allowing USIP leadership to immediately begin recovery efforts. Moose has emphasized that the institute’s priority is to resume its core mission of promoting peace and resolving conflicts globally through initiatives he described as “projects, ideas that are, we believe, of interest to the American people.”
Legal Implications for Executive Authority
This court ruling establishes significant precedent regarding executive authority over independent organizations created by Congress. Judge Howell’s determination that USIP exists outside the traditional executive branch structure challenges the administration’s broader efforts to restructure government agencies through executive orders. The decision specifically rejected the argument that all federal entities must fall under one of the three branches of government, noting several examples of organizations that operate with congressionally granted independence from direct presidential control.
The court also found that the government failed to demonstrate any irreparable harm that would result without a stay of the ruling, while USIP’s leadership successfully argued that further delays would significantly hamper the organization’s ability to restore operations and resume its international peacemaking mission. The case highlights the tension between presidential authority and congressional intent when establishing independent government organizations, an issue that will likely remain contentious as the administration pursues its appeal.
