Overview

• U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell declared the Trump administration's takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) unlawful, voiding all actions taken by DOGE-affiliated officials.
• The ruling reinstates USIP Acting President George Moose and its original board, while barring DOGE and federal officials from accessing the institute's property or systems.
• Judge Howell found that DOGE's use of force, including law enforcement assistance, to seize USIP's headquarters and assets violated statutory protections established by Congress.
• The court reaffirmed USIP’s status as an independent nonprofit supporting both executive and legislative branches, outside the president's unilateral removal authority.
• The administration is expected to appeal the decision, marking another legal challenge to President Trump's government downsizing initiative through DOGE.